Archbishop Gallagher explores religious exhibits at Azerbaijan's House of Tolerance PHOTO

On December 16, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who is on a three-day visit to Azerbaijan, viewed the House of Tolerance in the Icherisheher district. 

Gallagher was briefed on the centre activities, highlighting its rich exhibits that showcase the history of tolerance in Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

The Archbishop then toured the photo gallery, which focuses on the attention and care shown by national leader Heydar Aliyev, President Ilham Aliyev, and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva towards religious communities in the country.

After exploring the historical religious exhibits at the House of Tolerance, Gallagher was informed about the artifacts of the three traditional religions, sacred religious texts, ethnographic exhibits, awards from religious figures, personal gifts, state honors, and donations received from foreign countries.

In conclusion, Archbishop Gallagher signed the guestbook of the House of Tolerance.

This is a highly significant visit, serving as another example of Azerbaijan's model of multiculturalism and religious tolerance, with the latter being a key component. The length of Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher's visit also indicates a very busy schedule of meetings in Baku. Undoubtedly, the main goal of the visit is to lay the foundation for a new church in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, dedicated to Pope John Paul II.

By Naila Huseynova