In 1988 Karekin took an active role in helping his people overcome the Armenian earthquake . He oversaw the construction of a number of churches and schools in Armenia . He also showed an interest in using modern technology and telecommunications to help the life of his churches as well as dealing with the legacies of the Soviet era . On 27 October 1999 he was elected the 132nd Catholicos of All Armenians at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin , succeeding Karekin I. His relations with Pope John Paul II were generally positive . When the Pope visited Armenia in 2001 , he stayed with the Catholicos
Armenian earthquake
1988 Armenian earthquake
Karekin II