Pope Francis Hails St. Gregory of Narek as Armenian Spiritual Guide

Pope Francis has described St. Gregory of Narek's Book of Lamentation as "the spiritual constitution of the Armenian people," according to commentary published in The Armenian Weekly. The remarks reference Francis's 2016 ecumenical prayer service in Yerevan with Armenian Catholicos Karekin II, where the pontiff proclaimed Narekatsi a Doctor of the Church and told Armenians that "the whole world needs you." The article reflects on Narekatsi's continued relevance for Armenian spiritual life, particularly during periods of hardship. It argues that the medieval saint's writings on conscience, prayer, and inner renewal offer guidance for contemporary Armenian communities facing uncertainty. The piece emphasizes Narekatsi's teachings on repentance, compassion, and the primacy of spiritual strength over external solutions, positioning him as a foundational figure in Armenian religious and cultural identity.