On October 2, a delegation from the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative including Dr. Tom Catena received a special blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis during their visit to the Vatican.
The visit was part of a wider trip from the group to Rome, during which a series of meetings with Vatican and community leaders was held.
In addition to Dr. Catena the delegation included Co-Founders of the Aurora Forum Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan and the two other previous Laureates of the annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity: Marguerite Barankitse and Kyaw Hla Aung. In addition, the group met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to the Holy See.
During their conversation with Pope Francis, the group sought his blessing for the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative as it continues its global efforts in combating poverty, improving healthcare, and providing education to vulnerable communities. Likewise, the group also highlighted the Initiative’s newly launched fund-raising drive, the #AraratChallenge, which aims to inspire others to join the Aurora mission by sharing stories of personal gratitude, making donations, and getting involved with humanitarian causes.