Armenian Genocide Documents from Vatican Archives Published in 7-Volume Set

ROME — On November 21, presentation of unique series of seven-volume set of books by Father Georges-Henri Ruyssen was held in the Pontifical Oriental Institute of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The event was organized by the Embassy of Armenia in the Holy See.

Rector of the Pontifical Oriental Institute David Nazar, founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio Andrea Riccardi, president of the Community of Sant’Egidio Marco Impagliazzo, clergymen of Armenian Apostolic and Catholic churches, representatives of public and political sector, members of Armenian community in Italy were among the participants of the event.

The publication presents all the documents on the Armenian Genocide from the period of the Hamidian massacres till the post-Genocide years of Kemalist rule, which were preserved in the Vatican closed archives, and gives a full picture of all the stages of this crime, from planning to implementation of the genocide.

During his speech Ambassador of Armenia to the Holy See Mikael Minasyan particularly stressed the fact that this seven-volume set is a significant achievement for Genocide studies and is a history which also that of the Turks. “The work by Father Ruyssen helps us to trace back the facts. It helps us to read the past thus learning the lessons for the future.”

At the event Ambassador Minasyan handed over to Father Georges-Henri Ruyssen the Order of Honour awarded by the President of Armenia for the development of the Armenian studies and for his significant contribution to dissemination of spiritual values.