On April 28, the family of Armenian political prisoner Ruben Vardanyan issued a statement calling on the Vatican to take decisive action to help free 23 Armenian prisoners, including Vardanyan, who remain unjustly detained in Azerbaijan.
In their message, the Vardanyan family extended condolences to Catholics worldwide on the passing of Pope Francis and called on the Vatican to continue the late Pope’s efforts to free Armenian captives, urging the Catholic Church to honor Pope Francis’s legacy of justice, human dignity, and peace by advocating for the immediate and unconditional release of the Armenian prisoners held on fabricated charges.
“The family of Ruben Vardanyan extends its heartfelt condolences to the Catholic faithful worldwide on this solemn week of mourning. Our thoughts are with all those gathered these last days at St. Peter’s Square and to Catholics around the world during this time of grief.”
“We call upon the Vatican to honor Pope Francis’s legacy by taking action to secure the release of 23 Armenian prisoners unjustly detained, including our father Ruben Vardanyan. To truly preserve Pope Francis’s commitment to justice and human dignity, the Holy See can play a vital role in diplomatic efforts to free these prisoners. Their continued imprisonment stands in contrast to the principles of peace and reconciliation that Pope Francis championed throughout his papacy.”
Quoting the late Pope Francis, “Religions cannot be used for war. Only peace is holy,” Vardanyan’s family stated, “We urge the Church to put these words into action by advocating for the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners. These Christians deserve protection from persecution and face challenges due to their faith.”
“The time for action is now. We ask all people of conscience to join us in this call for justice and freedom for the 23 Armenian prisoners, including Ruben Vardanyan, who remain captive solely because of their beliefs and heritage.”
In September 2023, following a nine-month blockade and the ethnic cleansing of the entire Armenian population of Artsakh, Azerbaijan captured former Artsakh presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, and several other former officials. The fabricated charges they face could lead to life imprisonment. A show trial against the Artsakh leadership began in Baku on January 17.
