NNA - The Armenian Catholic Patriarchate's press office issued a statement on Saturday, indicating that "Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos of the Armenian Catholic House of Cilicia, visited His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in a meeting held today at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican."

The statement added that their "in-depth discussion touched on the situation of the Armenian Catholic Church and the challenges it faces at this critical juncture, in addition to pressing issues affecting Lebanon and the Middle East region, in light of the escalating political, humanitarian, and spiritual crises they are experiencing."

"At the conclusion of the meeting, Patriarch Minassian extended an invitation to His Holiness the Pope to visit Lebanon at the earliest opportunity, emphasizing the importance of his pastoral presence under the current circumstances," the statement went on, adding that "Pope Leo XIV expressed deep interest in the unique coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Lebanon, highlighting the need to support and strengthen it as a pillar of peace and stability in the region."

"This meeting reflects the depth of the spiritual partnership between the Holy See and the Armenian Catholic Church, and their shared commitment to the message of hope and unity in the face of challenges," the statement concluded.

=============R.Sh.