YEREVAN (Armenpress)–Bishop Gregory Ghabroyan–the spiritual leader of the Armenian-rite Catholics in Western Europe–announced that the Pope would accept an invitation that will be formally delivered early in November–when His Holiness Garegin II–the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church–visits Rome–CWNews reported.
"Pope John Paul II is very anxious to go to Armenia–and the Armenian authorities have already invited him. If his health permits it–the trip should not pose any problem at all," said Bishop Ghabroyan. The year 2001 will furnish an apt occasion for the papal visit–since it marks the 1700th anniversary of the first evangelization of Armenia.
Some Vatican insiders have suggested that the papal visit may occur in September of 2001. But Bishop Ghabroyan expressed confidence that an earlier date–perhaps in June of next year would soon be announced officially.