Medieval Armenian cross-stone unveiled in Vatican

During his official visit to the Vatican, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Vatican Museums where a medieval Armenian khachkar (cross-stone) was unveiled, according to the presidential press service.

The cross-stone dating back to 1246 went on display in the Hall after Pope Urban VIII, near the Sistine Chapel.

Outside the museum, Vatican City’s Governor, Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello and Director of the Vatican Museums Prof. Antonio Paolucci welcomed the Armenian president and accompanied him to the permanent exhibition hall of medieval Armenian cross-stones.

Cardinal Bertello and Prof. Paolucci delivered speeches. The head of the Sub-Department of Armenian Studies at University of Bologna Anna Sirinian presented the khachkar’s history, after which Armenian Ambassador to the Vatican Mikael Minasyan made a speech. It was noted that the vivid model of Armenian culture was discovered in the 17th century in the vicinity of St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

Serzh Sargsyan presented the Vatican Museums with a work by contemporary Armenian sculptor Karen Baghdasaryan.