“Armenians worldwide appreciate the Pope’s explicit condemnation of the Armenian Genocide – as a clear case of genocide – upon his arrival in Armenia,” the Armenian National Committee of America said in a statement.

“Pope Francis – through words and actions – continues to openly challenge Turkey ‘s denial of the Armenian Genocide,” ANCA said.

“By speaking directly and fearlessly about the Armenian Genocide, this time upon Armenian soil – and then making a pilgrimage to pray at the sacred Tsitsernakaberd memorial – the Pope is both strengthening Christian solidarity with Armenia and taking a courageous global stand for truth and justice,” the statement reads.

Addressing the Armenian civil authorities and representatives of the diplomatic corps at the Presidential Palace today the Holy Father recalled the Armenian President’s visit to the Vatican last year for the centenary of the Metz Yeghern (or ‘Great Evil’). He said, “Sadly, that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples.”