The Armenian Church is making every effort to facilitate the return of Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) from Azerbaijani captivity, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, told reporters in the Yerablur Military Pantheon where he visited to pay tribute to fallen soldiers on the Army Day on Thursday.

Asked whether they may apply to Pope Francis for the repatriation of Armenian POWs, Catholicos Karekin II said they are considering the issue and taking steps.

Also, he denounced the desecration of Armenian churches in the Artsakh territories that fell under Azerbaijan’s control during the 2020 war, adding they are making efforts for the international community to also condemn such phenomena.

"We express our appreciation to the Russian authorities and the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church for the support that made it possible for Dadivank Monastery to continue its operation and mission," Karekin II said.