Francis in Armenia Archives

What does the Armenia trip tell us about Pope Francis?

Jun 27, 2016

Papal trips are important for many reasons, including what they reveal about a pope’s personality and priorities. Francis’s June 24-26 outing to Armenia was no exception, offering insights about the importance of Argentina, his seriousness about the Orthodox, and his stubborn streak.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Pope Francis practices the politics of memory in Armenia

Jun 25, 2016

In a part of the world where memory so often seems a dangerous thing, nursing resentments and fueling new conflicts, Pope Francis made the audacious claim in Armenia on Saturday that memory, coupled with faith, is actually the only route to peace.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Lessons from pope in Armenia on why ecumenism matters

Jun 25, 2016

Ecumenism can sometimes be a tough sell as a transcendent cause, but two little-known lessons from northern Armenia, one involving a church and the other a hospital, illustrate why the press for Christian unity really does matter.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Pope Francis invokes magic word ‘genocide’ on day one in Armenia

Jun 24, 2016

In a departure from his prepared text on Friday, Pope Francis used the magic word “genocide” in describing the suffering and loss of life of Armenians at the hands of the dying Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century. Invoking that term generally brings political and diplomatic protests from Turkey.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Pope backs Colombia peace, ducks Brexit, presses Christian unity

Jun 24, 2016

On day one of his June 24-26 trip to Armenia, Pope Francis hailed a new peace deal in Colombia, avoided taking a strong position on the U.K.’s decision to exit the European Union, and praised the Armenian Apostolic Church for its openness to closer ecumenical relations.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Armenians say ‘whole population’ set to welcome Pope Francis

Jun 23, 2016

Armenians say Pope Francis will be widely welcomed during his June 24- 26 visit not only because he’s recognized the genocide, but also for his moral stance on pressing world issues and for his decision to elevate St. Gregory of Narek, a 10th-century Armenian monk, to the rank of Doctor of the Church.

By James Martone