Pope Francis and Armenian Apostolic Catholicos Karekin II have appealed for common action on behalf of persecuted Christians, welcome for refugees and defence of the family.

The Pope and the Oriental Orthodox Patriarch signed their joint declaration at the end of Pope Francis's June 24-26 visit to Armenia.

Earlier in the day, at an Armenian Divine Liturgy, both had spoken of their unity as believers in Christ and of their conviction that Christians are called by God to assist the poor, the persecuted and the needy.