Pope on Results of Trip to Tbilisi and Baku

The Vatican press office published the answers of Pope Francis to reporters' questions on the way for his return to Rome, after a visit to Georgia and Azerbaijan.

What are the prospects of cooperation and dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic churches in the light of the visit to Georgia? Answering this question of Georgian journalists, the Pope said he was astonished by the level of spirituality and culture of Georgia. "I did not know how deep the roots of the Georgian faith are," the Pope said, calling on the faithful together to find ways to show good will, while theologians should talk to each other and learn each other.

The German ARD radio journalist asked the Pope about his vision of the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the role he can play in person. The Pope said the role of religion is to "help" to achieve this goal.

"I think the only way is a sincere dialogue, without fuss behind the scenes, sincere talks face to face. If this is not possible, then they must have the courage to go to the international tribunal in The Hague and apply to the International Court of Justice. I do not see any other way. The alternative is war, and war is always destructive, with war all is lost!" the Pope said.  -02D-