Krikor Bedros XX New Elected Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church

(Radio Vatican) – Archbishop Gregory Ghabroyan, éparche emeritus of Holy Cross in Paris was elected Saturday, July 25 the new Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church. He chose the name of Pierre XX and becomes 20th Patriarch of Cilicia of the Catholic Armenians. The induction ceremony is scheduled July 29 at the Convent of Bzoummar, seat of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate in Lebanon. Ghabroyan Gregory was born November 14, 1934 in Aleppo, Syria. He began his studies at the seminary of Bzommar from the College of the Marist Brothers in Jounieh, before joining the Pontifical Armenian College in Rome. He will graduate in Philosophy and Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Ordained March 28, 1959, he was appointed prefect of studies at the seminary of Bzommar the following year. From 1962 to 1969, he held the post of rector of the Mesrobian Institute Lebanon, before becoming rector of the seminary of Bzommar until 1975. In 1976, he was appointed éparche Catholic Armenians of the eparchy of the Holy Cross in Paris, France. He was ordained bishop by the patriarch Pierre XVII, February 13, 1977 in Lebanon.
The synod of Armenian Catholic bishops had met on July 14 at Bzoummar convent to elect a successor to Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, who died June 25 at age 75. Where Bishop Ghabroyan was chosen, as chairman, in accordance with Code of Canon Law of the Eastern Churches is the oldest of the members of the Permanent Synod bishops.

Pope Francis welcomed His Beatitude Krikor Bedros XX

In a message, to His Beatitude Krikor Bedros XX, Pope Françis evokes “profound joy” after the election. The Holy Father said to unite “all the faithful of the Patriarchate” to express his “fraternal and cordial congratulations.” “I implore you, he says, the abundance of divine gifts so your new ministry carries many fruits.” This election, the Pope continues, “comes at a time when your church is facing some difficulties and new challenges, especially as the situation of part of the Armenian Catholic faithful who are going through great trials in the Middle East. However, illuminated by the light of faith in the Risen Christ, our view of the world is full of hope and mercy, for we are certain that the Cross of Jesus is the tree that gives life “.
The Holy Father said he was “convinced” that the new Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church “in communion with the venerable Synod Fathers, for the help of the Holy Spirit, will, with all evangelical wisdom, be the “Pater and Caput” the Good Shepherd of the portion of the People of God entrusted to him. ” “The many Armenian martyrs and St. Gregory of Narek, Doctor of the Church will not fail to intercede for you.” The Pope concluded by giving “ecclesiastical communion sought, in accordance with the tradition of the Church and standards” and “sends” Bishop Gregory Ghabroyan “with all my heart the Apostolic Blessing that” extend to all the Patriarchate ” .