Armenian PM awarded Knight Grand Cross Order of Pope Pius IX

The Holy See's Envoy to Armenia Archbishop Jose Avelino Bettencourt presented 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.

"Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See, His Eminence Archbishop Jose Avelino Bettencourt, who is completing his diplomatic mission in our country. In order to promote the strengthening of ties between Armenia and the Holy See, the Archbishop presented Prime Minister Pashinyan with the Order of Commander of the Grand Cross of Pope Pius IX, one of the highest honours of the Holy See, awarded by Pope Francis," Pashinyan's press service said in a statement, Caliber.Az report citing Armenian media.

PM Pashinyan thanked for the award and stressed that the government of Armenia 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.