The Department for Inter-Church Relations stands as one of the Vatican’s most influential institutions. In addition to sustaining relationships with churches and ecumenical councils worldwide, it initiates and supervises theological dialogues. For decades, His Holiness Aram I Catholicos has fostered close ties with the department’s leadership and is deeply familiar with its work and mission.
The meeting between His Holiness Aram I and Cardinal Koch, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, lasted over an hour. Initially, the Catholicos and Cardinal Koch engaged in a private conversation, during which the Cardinal solicited His Holiness’s perspectives on several sensitive matters. This was followed by a broader meeting attended by members of the Catholicos’s delegation and senior staff of the Dicastery.
Welcoming His Holiness to the Vatican, Cardinal Koch recalled numerous meetings Aram I had held over the years with previous Vatican officials responsible for ecumenical affairs. He highlighted the Catholicos’s pivotal role and extensive experience within the ecumenical movement, alongside his enduring collaboration with the Vatican.
In his remarks, His Holiness stated that the Armenian Church in general, and the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in particular, have historically placed great significance on the ecumenical movement. He noted that, to this day, the Holy See of Cilicia maintains active involvement in the World Council of Churches, regional councils, and various ecumenical organizations, while also contributing meaningfully to multiple theological dialogues.
Reflecting on the current state of the ecumenical movement, His Holiness noted that it is facing a profound crisis. The multitude of challenges confronting the modern world has impacted the ecumenical movement in various ways. Churches, he observed, are increasingly prioritizing cooperation among those sharing the same confession and tradition.
Building on this assessment, His Holiness underscored the urgent need for a renewed ecumenical vision, methodology, and priorities that align with the realities of today’s world and the expectations of Christian communities. He remarked that doctrinal and theological disputes inherited from the past are no longer as pressing for churches as moral and ethical challenges, which have now become existential concerns within ecclesial life. Accordingly, he emphasized that these issues deserve greater priority in inter-church cooperation. His Holiness also addressed several challenges related to theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness presented Cardinal Koch with a commemorative gift depicting the Holy Mother of God.
Later that evening, Cardinal Koch hosted an official dinner in honor of His Holiness. Alongside members of the delegation, senior officials of the dicastery were also present. During the dinner, Cardinal Koch once again highlighted the pivotal role of His Holiness Aram I, commending his distinguished and enduring contributions to the continued progress of the ecumenical movement.
