January 7, at a meeting with Ambassadors accredited to Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI requested Armenian Ambassador Edward Nalbandian to convey his warm greetings and wishes for a Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to Armenian people, Armenian President and Catholicos of All Armenians, the RA MFA press office reported.

January 8, Amb. Nalbandian met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to discuss the details of his forthcoming visit to Armenia.