PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
April 21, 2005

His Holiness Karekin II Congratulates Pope Benedict XVI

On April 20, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians, extended his congratulations to the newly elected
Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Benedict XVI.

His Holiness stated in part, “Dear Brother in Christ, we are confident
that the collaboration between our two Churches will continue to
strengthen during your pontificate for the benefit of our faithful
people. We pray for the love and peace of our Risen Lord to be with
us at all times and in all places, filling the hearts of men with
faith in goodness and hope for the future.

“Offering our prayers to heaven, we ask the Almighty to grant you
health, strength, wisdom and vigor as Chief Shepherd to the Roman
Catholic faithful, crowning your devoted efforts in your responsible
mission with renewing successes and manifold accomplishments.”

In the letter, His Holiness Karekin II also praised both Armenian
and Roman Catholic pontiffs of blessed memory, through whose devoted
efforts the close fraternal cooperation between the two Churches
witnessed much progress and development.

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