Some 50.000-60.000 people will be able to participate in Pope Francis' interchurch prayer in Yerevan, the Director of the Inter-Church Relations Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin said.

The pope will arrive in Armenia on June 24.

“The first day will kick off with ceremonial events. After landing at Yerevan's Zvartnots international airport, the pontiff will head to Echmiadzin where a welcome ceremony –specifically desined for religious leaders – will be held,” Shahe Ananyan said.

Afterwards, the pope will meet with President Serzh Sargsyan and return to Etchmiadzin for private talks.

“On the second day, Pope Francis will visit Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide memorial to lay a wreath and participate in a prayer of intercession. He will then leave for Gyumri, where a mass is planned to be served by the pontiff. The Catholicos of All Armenians will also participate in the liturgy,” Ananyan said.

After a small brake, Francis will visit Gyumri’s Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God (Seven Wounds) and the Armenian Catholic Church. The pope will then immediately return to Yerevan.

“An interchurch prayer will be offered at the Republic Square in Yerevan, with 50.000-60.000 people set to attend the ceremony,” Anayan added.

On the last day of his visit, Francis will hold several meetings with the bishops and priests of the Armenian Catholic Church, afterwards attending a mass at the open altar of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, served by the Catholicos.

According to Ananyan, a visit to Khor Virap is also scheduled to be held.