The Holy See's Envoy to Armenia Archbishop Jose Avelino Bettencourt presented Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with the Order of Knight of the Grand Cross of Pope Pius IX, one of the highest honours of the Holy See, the PM press service reported.
It was noted that Pashinyan received the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See, His Eminence Archbishop Jose Avelino Bettencourt, who is completing his diplomatic mission in the republic. In order to promote the strengthening of ties between Armenia and the Holy See, the Archbishop presented the PM with the Order.
PM Pashinyan thanked for the award and stressed that the Armenian government is eager to consistently develop ties with the Vatican.
The Order of Pius IX was established in 1847. It is awarded for outstanding services to the Church and society. The Grand Cross is a special degree bestowed to heads of state and high-ranking state figures.
