Pope Francis gives first annual address to Diplomatic Corps

PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Francis gave his first annual address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, Vatican Radio reports.

In his speech, the religious leader expressed his concern over the conflict in Syria, saying it was “unacceptable” that unarmed civilians become targets. Pope Francis also praised those countries which have welcomed refugees from the crisis into their borders.

“In recent months, tens of thousands of those Armenians fled to the Republic of Armenia to escape horrors and violence and we understand probably better than any other the drama of this situation that the Pope has vigorously denounced since his election,” said Mikayel Minasyan, the Ambassador of Armenia to the Holy See.

“The Armenian government highly praises the efforts of the Holy Father directed to the enhancement of peace in Syria and truly hopes that the Geneva 2 Conference, mentioned also by the Pope in his speech, could be a turning point,” he told Vatican Radio.

“We believe that conflicts are better settled through dialogue,” Minasyan continued. “We share on this matter the same position of the Holy See, that only a negotiated agreement can lead to a durable peace.”

Ambassador Minasyan is the first Armenian Ambassador to the Holy See to reside in Rome.

“The decision of the Armenian President to open a permanent diplomatic mission in Rome, ascribed to the Holy See, outlines the importance that we attach to our mutually shared values and concerns and is a direct recognition of the diplomatic role of the Holy See in the world,” he said.