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The meetings of the first day of Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia were well organized, Federico Lombardi, Director of the Holy See Press Office told reporters at a round-up press conference attended by Armenian and foreign reporters.

“Let me stress again - Pope is glad for being in Armenia,” Father Lombardi said, recalling the visit to Echmiadzin, the marvelous Cathedral and the joint prayer.
“The Catholicos gave a friendly welcome at the high altar. That was a great meeting,” representative of the Holy See said, adding the meeting between Pope Francis and Catholicos Karekin II passed in a friendly atmosphere.

“More than 40 archbishops attended the meeting, a friendly conversation was held with delegations. The exchange of gifts was also interesting. The artist had created 1mm sized portrait of the Pope, which was a unique gift to him from the Catholicos. Pope will probably need a magnifier to look at it,” Father Lombardi noted half jokingly.
 
Pope Francis also made a note in the golden book, reading: “I am delighted to be here, I was received in this house as in my own and I am wholeheartedly thankful to God in this blessed Cathedral”

Reporters then asked Father Lombardi why the Pope refuses from luxurious cars.

“The Pope prefers ordinary cars instead of armored vehicles,  like an ordinary human being  living a simple life  - neither rich nor poor. To him, many deem cars as a sign of money, strength, and wealth, while his message to us is different”, Father Lombardi concluded.