Pope Francis ended his three day Apostolic journey to Armenia, his 14th abroad with a visit to 'Khor Virap' monastery at the foot of Mount Ararat. A significant site linked to the conversion of the Armenian nation to Christianity.
Here King Tiridates was baptized in 301, and Armenia became the first Christian nation.
From this place, the border with Turkey, the Pope and Karekin II launched doves of peace. At the foot of the mountain is where, according to the Bible, Noah's Ark stopped. Earlier today, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Pope Francis and Catholicos Karekin II, leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, signed a common declaration, giving thanks for the progress towards Christian unity, and appealing for peace in the Middle East and other regions torn apart by conflict, terrorism and religious persecution. In an hour, the Pope's three-day visit to the First Christian country will end with a farewell ceremony and departure to Vatican.