Pope doesn’t call for Crusade
After the joint liturgy in Etchmiadzin, Federico Lombardi, Director of the Holy See Press Office, met with the journalists. He noted that the ecumenical aspects are the most important elements during Pope’s visit. Lombardi touched upon the peculiarities of Pope’s speeches, highlighting the important request of Pope, by which Pope called on other Christian leaders to bless him; this is a great message of unity. He noted that finally yesterday a joint statement was formed, which is an important document and sums up ecumenical approaches of Vatican and is a comprehensive synthesis of Armenian Apostolic and Catholic churches. Lombardi said Pope has felt in Armenia like at home. Federico Lombardi also touched upon Turkey’s reaction to Pope’s comment on Genocide. “If anyone listens to what Pope says, there is nothing, which could be commented as a call for Crusade. There was only a call for establishing bridges in his speech. I can only urge to read Pope’s messages right. It only aims at establishing bases for peace between the peoples and to pray for it and wish reconciliation between Armenian and Turkish peoples. He hasn’t said anything against Turkish people.” The RA MFA spokesperson Tigran Balayan added that though Turkey doesn’t like it, it doesn’t free Turkey from the obligation to face its history.
