Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II has expressed his deepest condolences over the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, sending a letter of sympathy to the Vatican.

“Blessed memory Pope Francis was a humble, courageous, and kind shepherd who faithfully followed in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ. He took on the high and responsible mission of the papacy during difficult times and bore witness to the Gospel, consistently defending justice and peace, showing special care for those in need, and making a significant contribution to strengthening interchurch relations,” the Catholicos wrote.

“With special comfort, we recall that the Holy Pope constantly raised prayers for a world wounded by war and injustice, particularly for our people suffering from the grave consequences of the Artsakh war,” the message continued.

The Catholicos emphasized that the Armenian people will always remember with gratitude the Mass offered by pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the proclamation of Saint Gregory of Narek as a Doctor of the Universal Church, and the Pope’s visit to Armenia.

Garegin II concluded his message by offering prayers to God for the repose and peace of the late Holy Father’s soul and for the comfort of the Catholic Church’s clergy and faithful.

Pope Francis’ funeral ceremony will take place on April 26 at 10:00 a.m. local time. On April 23, his body will be laid in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. The service will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.