Within the framework of his visit to Turkey Pope Benedict XVI mer with Armenian Apostolic Patriarch of Istanbul, Mesrob Mutafyan. As PanARMENIAN.Net came to know from Marmara newspaper, the meeting lasted about hour and a half. Top security measures were undertaken and the Armenians living far from the Cathedral of Blessed Virgin in Kumkari could not attend the liturgy, since the center of the city was blocked. Benedict XVI was gifted a golden chalice made by Armenian masters in 1820. After a joint liturgy a khachkar dedicated to the visit of the Holy Father was consecrated in the church yard.