Pope Francis to Celebrate Mass on Sunday to Mark Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary

VATICAN CITY — On April 12th, Pope Francis will celebrate a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica to mark 100 years since the Armenian genocide, according to Rome Reports.

Mikayel Minasyan, Armenian Ambassador to the Holy See hopes the Mass isn’t seen as something political- but that’s easier said than done. The mere fact that the Pope has agreed to celebrate it, speaks volumes.

“For Armenians, this centennial won’t feel much different a year, two, five, six, seven or even 200 years from now. Armenians have been fighting their own inner war against injustice and ignorance for 100 years. This anniversary is important for the world, for Armenians, at this point, it doesn’t really change much, but it’s a way for the world to hear the truth.”

Two years ago, even the Pope himself described it as the first genocide of the modern era, during an audience with the Patriarch of Cilicia, Nerses Bedros XIX.

Armenia’s ambassador says history is now repeating itself. “Christians from Iraq and Syria are using the same escape routes that Armenians used 100 years ago. FLASH Why? Because governments deny history, they avoid speaking about the truth. They use cynicism to address political and historical facts.”

During Sunday’s Mass, which will follow the Armenian rite, the Pope will officially declare Armenian Saint, Gregory of Narek, as a Doctor of the Church.