Armenian delegation led by President Serzh Sargsyan met Pope Francis in Rome, with situation of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East on discussion agenda, Zenith reported.

At the meeting, Pope Francis expressed satisfaction over the strengthening of bilateral ties with Yerevan, stressing the special role of Christianity in the life of Armenian society.

The parties further discussed the unstable regional situation, expressing hope for mutual efforts of the interested countries and religious communities to promote peaceful cohabitation of the countries in the region.

In conclusion, President Sargsyan invited Pope Francis to visit Armenia in 2015, with the pontiff gladly accepting the invitation.

After meeting the Pope, President Sargsyan met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.