His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church Holy See of Cilicia, paid a four-day official visit to the Vatican, arriving on 17 May 2026.
On 18 May 2026, His Holiness Aram I held a private meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. During the meeting, Catholicos Aram I also discussed the issue of Artsakh. His Holiness Aram I stressed the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to return under international guarantees, the preservation of churches and historical monuments in accordance with international law, and the urgent need for the immediate release of the Artsakh leaders currently detained in Baku.
Later the same day, Aram I, accompanied by his delegation, met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. Cardinal Parolin, regarded as the second highest-ranking authority in the Vatican after the Pope, is responsible for the Holy See’s administrative, political, and diplomatic affairs. His Holiness Aram I highly appreciated the Vatican’s longstanding support for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and for the reaffirmation of the rights of the Armenian people.
Among the topics raised by Catholicos Aram I was Artsakh. His Holiness stated that the return of the people of Artsakh, the restoration of their rights, the protection of Armenian churches and historical monuments, and the immediate release of the Artsakh leaders currently imprisoned in Baku remain imperative priorities for the Armenian Church and the Armenian people. In this context, His Holiness called for the Vatican’s continued support.
For his part, Cardinal Parolin provided updates concerning Vatican initiatives related to Artsakh in general, and particularly regarding efforts aimed at securing the release of prisoners.
On 19 May 2026, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I met with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Catholic Churches. During this meeting, issues related to Artsakh were discussed, particularly the matter of the release of Armenian prisoners. Cardinal Gugerotti, who is closely informed on the issue and has visited Azerbaijan, shared relevant information with His Holiness.
On 20 May, before departing the Vatican, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I stated:
“As I come to conclude my visitation program to the Vatican, I would like to express my warm thanks and profound gratitude to His Holiness for granting me a private audience which gave us opportunity to exchange perspectives and concerns pertaining to issues of common nature. My special thanks are also due to His Eminences Cardinal Parolin, Cardinal Koch, Cardinal Gugerotti, and Cardinal Koovakad for the interesting and fruitful discussions that we had regarding ecumenical and inter-religious matters as well as issues related to Lebanon, Artsakh, and the Middle East.”