Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Friend of the Armenian People Who Recognized the Armenian Genocide

The world is mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 in his residence, the Vatican confirmed. His death is the end of a papacy filled with compassion, courage, and a deep commitment to peace, justice, and the dignity of every human being. For Armenians around the world, Pope Francis will be remembered not only as the head of the Catholic Church, but as a brave voice who recognized the truth of history and stood in solidarity with the Armenian people.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news, saying, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was the first pope from Latin America and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. From the beginning of his papacy in 2013, he became known as a humble and courageous leader who prioritized the poor, the forgotten, and the oppressed.

Throughout his leadership, Pope Francis promoted dialogue between religions, condemned violence and war, and spoke out against injustice. Among the many important moments in his papacy was his firm recognition of the Armenian Genocide and his heartfelt friendship with the Armenian Church and people.

A Pilgrim in Armenia

In 2016, Pope Francis visited Armenia — the first Christian nation in the world — for what he called a “pilgrimage.” His words ahead of the trip still resonate deeply with Armenians:

“I come as a pilgrim… to draw upon the ancient wisdom of your people and to drink from the wellspring of your faith, steadfast as your famous crosses sculpted in stone.”

During his three-day journey, Pope Francis visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan to honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide. There, with deep emotion, he prayed and left a handwritten message:

“Here I pray with pain in my heart, so that never more will there be tragedies like this... May God protect the memory of the Armenian people. Memory should not be diluted or forgotten. Memory is a source of peace and the future.”

The Pope also joined His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, in an Ecumenical Prayer for Peace in Yerevan’s Republic Square. He called on all Christians to let go of rigid opinions and show humility and unity, speaking powerfully about transforming painful memories into seeds of peace.

At Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s most sacred sites near Mount Ararat, the Pope lit a candle and reflected on Armenia’s deep Christian history and resilience. Vatican Radio reported that the Pope described standing on Armenian soil as a “grace,” and praised the Armenian people for their unwavering faith and strength through suffering.

Recognition of the Armenian Genocide

Pope Francis stood out as one of the rare world leaders who openly and clearly recognized the Armenian Genocide. In 2015, during a Mass marking the 100th anniversary of the genocide, he called the massacre of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire the “first genocide of the 20th century.”

“Concealing or denying evil is like allowing a wound to keep bleeding without bandaging it,” he said.

This bold statement echoed around the world and was a powerful moment of justice for the Armenian community, especially as Turkey continued its long-standing policy of denial.

The Armenian Assembly of America paid tribute to the Pope’s courage and friendship, stating:

“Pope Francis was a bold and courageous leader, and a man of faith and humility... His commitment to the truth, particularly when referring to the Armenian Genocide, was admirable.”

A Global Peacemaker

Just before his passing, Pope Francis prayed for a final peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and for healing in the region. This prayer was part of his Easter Urbi et Orbi message — a traditional blessing he gave from St. Peter’s Basilica, calling for peace in war-torn regions, disarmament, and the release of prisoners.

Even while recovering from illness, the Pope remained deeply connected to global issues, showing his concern for the people of the South Caucasus and his hope for peace and reconciliation.

Armenia Mourns with the World

Armenia’s leaders and people have joined the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said:

“His Holiness’s outstanding leadership to have peaceful and just world cannot be forgotten.”

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan added:

“He united the hearts of many Armenians with the recognition of Armenian heritage, dedication to humanitarian cause and left an indelible memory of his visit to Armenia in 2016.”

The Armenian Church, too, has expressed sorrow, remembering the Pope’s spiritual connection with the Armenian Apostolic Church and the shared mission for Christian unity, justice, and peace.

May his memory be eternal.