What Happened to the Christians of Artsakh is Ethnic Cleansing: His Grace Bishop Gevorg Saroyan

Interview — A conversation with His Grace Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, Chair of the Administrative Council of the Social Services Office of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, who is currently in Vatican City attending the 97th Plenary Assembly of charitable organizations assisting Eastern Churches.

At the invitation of Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, His Grace Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, Chair of the Administrative Council of the Social Services Office of the Mother See, is in Vatican City. He participated in the 97th Plenary Assembly of charitable organizations supporting Eastern Churches, where he presented a report addressing the concerns of Armenians from Artsakh.

The Armenian Section of Vatican Radio had the opportunity to meet and speak with the spiritual leader, who reflected on his presentation and other related topics.

"The events that have taken place must receive a political assessment, and steps must be taken to ensure that the rights of Artsakh Armenians are protected in their homeland," the Bishop emphasized during the interview. He also expressed appreciation for the Vatican’s approach to the issue, which, he noted, offers hope that “the Christian Armenians of Artsakh are not alone, and the Catholic Church shares in their pain.”

Bishop Saroyan also spoke about the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia, describing it as historic and highlighting the significance of the Pope’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

His Grace Bishop Gevorg Saroyan underscored the importance of the international community, friendly states, and the Church affirming that "what has happened to the Christians of Artsakh constitutes ethnic cleansing."