Pope Benedict XVI pronounces blessing in ArabicOctober 10, 2012 - 16:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday, Oct 10, pronounced a blessing in Arabic at his weekly audience in front of 20,000 pilgrims on St Peter's Square - the first time the language has been used at such an event, AFP reports. "The Pope prays for all Arabic speakers. May God bless you all!" the Pope said in Arabic at the audience, after a bishop read out an Arabic translation of the Pope's comments praising the results of the Second Vatican Council. The landmark Council, which began 50 years ago this week, is a "compass" for the Catholic Church "in the middle of the storms", the Pope said. As a young reformer, the then Joseph Ratzinger took part in the Council, better known as Vatican II, which revolutionized Catholic rituals. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |