Vatican City, May 6, 2008 / 08:38 am
Continuing his efforts to build Christian unity, Pope Benedict XVI will be welcoming His Holiness Karekin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, for a three day visit, May 6-9.
Karekin II’s trip is one that will include several liturgical celebrations and opportunities for dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church. Throughout his visit, he will be accompanied by an entourage of 18 bishops as well as 75 faithful from Armenia and other countries in the region.
The schedule for the visit is packed with events.
On Wednesday, after having prayed at the tomb of St. Peter and visited the statue of St. Gregory the Illuminator, the saint who converted Armenia to Christianity, Karekin II will be welcomed by Pope Benedict at the beginning of the general audience in St. Peter's Square.