AnewZ TV releases documentary highlighting Azerbaijan–Vatican interfaith dialogue VIDEO

AnewZ TV has released a new documentary titled Sanctum: Azerbaijan and the Holy See, focusing on the unique relations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican, as well as their joint initiatives in preserving religious heritage. The film was produced by Irada Hasanova and directed by Bahruz Gadirov.

The documentary draws a parallel between the Vatican—described as the “beating heart” of the one-and-a-half-billion-strong Catholic community—and Azerbaijan, a country where multiculturalism and interfaith dialogue are a lived reality.

“Multiculturalism and the commitment to building respectful relationships between different ethnic and religious communities are key strengths of Azerbaijani society,” notes Marco Ciriachi, an architect at the Vatican State Administration.

Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, Bishop Vladimir Fekete, who has lived in the country for nearly 20 years, highlights the special atmosphere of tolerance. According to him, the overall climate in Azerbaijan and the relationships between people are very warm, open, and friendly.

The filmmakers emphasise that Azerbaijan is a rare example of a country where religious buildings of different faiths are preserved not as monuments of division, but as testaments to harmonious coexistence. Mosques, churches, and synagogues stand here as equal symbols of a diverse spiritual heritage.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See were established in 1992. In 2002, Pope John Paul II visited the country, followed by Pope Francis in 2016. A new Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was also built, symbolising a new era and the revival of the Catholic presence in the country. Under President Ilham Aliyev, relations between the two sides have deepened further.

Monsignor Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi, head of the Vatican Apostolic Library and Archive, noted that every nation and cultural tradition has its own unique form of intellect. In this sense, he said, the contribution of Azerbaijani researchers to the work of the archive and library brings a “unique perspective that only they can offer.”

“The experience of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been very positive. Above all, the collaboration has been sustained over time, allowing us to develop a series of significant conservation projects. This support enabled us to carry out interventions using the highest standards available, engaging highly qualified specialists and advanced methodologies. This allowed us to pursue excellence in restoration, conservation, and diagnostics,” said Rafaella Giuliani, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology.

Monsignor Pasquale Iacobone, President of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, emphasises that restoring monuments is not merely about rebuilding stones or manuscripts, but about restoring history and identity. According to him, it is through the preservation of cultural heritage that trust between countries is strengthened, forming the foundation for long-term partnerships.

The film shows that cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Vatican is built not only on diplomacy, but also on trust, respect, and shared responsibility for preserving spiritual heritage. The safeguarding of holy sites is seen as a contribution to humanity’s collective memory, while interfaith dialogue demonstrates a model of peaceful coexistence that transcends borders, religions, and politics.