His Holiness Aram I visited the Senate of Canada, where he met with the Speaker of the Senate of Canada Mr. Leo Housakos.

His Holiness and the Speaker exchanged their concerns and views. Mr. Housakos spoke about the tenacity of the Armenian community, as well as multiculturalism and the integration of the people in Canada.

The Pontiff spoke about the Middle East crisis identifying it as a global risk and suggested that a strategy be developed and addressed more efficiently. Discussing the Armenian Genocide His Holiness Aram I stated that “Genocide is genocide, it is a fact of history, no matter what political leaders say.”

Mr. Housakos wanted to know His Holiness’ view on concerns and challenges facing the church today. In response to the Speaker’s inquiry concerning the challenges facing the church today, His Holiness shared with the Speaker his perspectives stressing the need for the church to become more and more responsive to the emerging realities and trends in the society remaining at the same time faithful to its core values.

Bishop Meghrig Parikian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, Dr. Girair Basmadjian, member of the Executive Council of the Catholicosate, Krikor Der Ghazarian, Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada and V. Rev. Father Housig Mardirossian, Ecumenical Relations Officer of the Catholicosate, has joined His Holiness during his meeting with the Speaker.