YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. After visiting the first Christian country, Armenia, Pope Francis, before returning to Vatican, paid a brief visit to the Basilica of St Mary Major, where he prayed before the icon of Mary, “Armenpress” reports citing news.va.

Pope Francis expressed his thanksgiving to Mary for the happy outcome of the apostolic voyage.

Pope Francis arrived in Armenia on June 24. A welcoming ceremony was held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin.  The Pope had a meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan in the Presidential Palace, where he made an announcement addressed to Armenian officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the society.

On June 25 Pope Francis visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial, accompanied by President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Garegin II. The Pope then delivered a Holy Mass in Gyumri’s Vardanants Square.

During the day the Pope returned to Yerevan, where the most important and most open event for the society during his visit took place in the Republic Square. A peace prayer was delivered, which was preceded and followed by a joint festive concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Choir – dedicated to Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia.

In the morning of June 26, a liturgy was held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, which was delivered by His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II with Pope Francis. After that, a joint statement was signed in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin. Then, Pope Francis and Caltholisc of All Armenians Garegin II visted Khor Virap Monastery where they released doves symbolizing peace from a platform looking at Biblical Ararat Mountain.

The same day Pope Francis departed for Vatican.