On Monday, March 18, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, arrived in Rome to participate in the inauguration of His Holiness Pope Francis. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I had appointed the Prelate to be part of the delegation representing the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The delegation included Seminary Dean and Catholicosate Ecumenical Officer H.E. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, and national benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Alecco and Ani Bezikian. On Monday evening, ecumenical guests, including the Holy See of Cilicia delegation, were hosted to an intimate dinner with Pope Francis, during which the Prelate had the opportunity to personally greet His Holiness and convey his well wishes.
On Tuesday, March 19, the Catholicosate of Cilicia delegation participated in the Papal Inaugural Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, during which Pope Francis was officially installed as the new Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. On the morning of Wednesday, March 20, the delegation had an official visit with Pope Francis where they had the opportunity to once again extend their congratulations to the new Pontiff.
