On May 18, 2026, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV held a private meeting at the Vatican. During the meeting, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I addressed several matters of significant importance: the establishment of a unified date for Easter, the designation of a commemorative day for all martyrs, and the convening of a Third Vatican Council. He underscored the urgent necessity of these issues within the context of the universal Christian Church.
With regard to the issue of Artsakh, His Holiness Aram I emphasized the right of the indigenous Armenians of Artsakh to return to their homeland under international guarantees, the preservation of churches and historical monuments in Artsakh in accordance with international law, and the urgent necessity for the immediate release of Artsakh leaders and POWs currently unlawfully detained in Baku.
His Holiness proceeded to address the complex situation in Lebanon, reaffirming the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and its authority over all Lebanese territories. He called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and underscored the critical importance of upholding the ceasefire agreement to ensure regional stability. Furthermore, he emphasized the profound significance of the ecumenical movement, stressing the urgent need to prioritize moral and ethical considerations in parallel with theological dialogue.
In response to the aforementioned points, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV expressed his understanding and support, while providing the necessary clarifications from his perspective.
It should also be noted that, following the meeting, the Catholicos and the Pope engaged in a further private conversation, exchanging views and concerns on these and other related matters.
