On October 4, the first session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops began in the Vatican, which will end on October 29, and the second session will take place in 2024.

This year, for the first time, not only bishops, but also lay men and women are participating in the assembly.

His Eminence Khajag Archbishop Barsamian participates in the Synod of Bishops on behalf of The Catholicos of All Armenians.

On October 15, in the end of the Angelus Prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis expressed his concern about Artsakh: “My concern for the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh has not waned. In addition to the humanitarian situation of displaced people — which is serious — I would also like to make a special appeal for the protection of the monasteries and places of worship in the region. I hope that, starting with the Authorities and all the inhabitants, they can be respected and protected as part of the local culture, as expressions of faith and a sign of a fraternity that makes it possible to live together despite differences”.

Participants in the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops have approved a Letter to the People of God giving thanks for their experience and detailing the work of the past few weeks: “To progress in its discernment, the Church absolutely needs to listen to everyone, starting with the poorest. It means listening to those who have been denied the right to speak in society or who feel excluded, even by the Church”.