H.E. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian met with H.Em. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture and H.E. Bishop Paul Tighe, Executive Director or the Pontifical Council for Culture on December 3, 2020. The Pontifical Council for Culture is a department of the Roman Curia, which is charged with fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and other churches and cultures.

Archbishop Barsamian informed Cardinal Ravasi and Bishop Tighe about the threats to the Armenian-Christian heritage and significant monuments in Karabagh (Artsakh), as well as the measures that the Holy Mother See of Etchmiadzin was taking to thwart cultural genocide, including the establishment of the department for the protection monasteries, churches and sacred sites in Karabagh. Archbishop Barsamian explained that the office was established as a direct result of the senseless destruction of Armenian Churches and significant religious and cultural sites during the recent war in Karabagh.
He also indicated to them that religious and cultural preservation was of grave importance to the Armenian Church, as Azerbaijan has systematically destroyed thousands of cross-stones (khachkars), churches and Christian monuments in Nakjichevan and other territories under Azeri control.
Additionally, Archbishop Barsamian requested the support of the Holy See in the assuring the preservation of these vital and ancient churches and monasteries, as well as Christian heritage and traditions in Karabagh.

Cardinal Ravasi thank Archbishop Barsamian for his update concerning issues. He told Archbishop Barsamian that these are very important for him. The Cardinal also shared about his two visits to Armenia and his meetings with His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. He told Archbishop Barsamian that the Pontifical Council for Culture is following developments very closely and that they are ready to offer their expertise and influence in support of said efforts, and the readiness of the Holy See to bring the matter of the preservation of Armenian Christian heritage to the attention of UNESCO.