Azerbaijan’s president, first lady offer condolences at Baku church following Pope Francis' death PHOTO

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, alongside First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, visited the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baku to express their condolences over the passing of Pope Francis.

The information was shared on the official website of the President of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports.

Upon arrival, President Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva were greeted by the Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, Bishop Vladimir Fekete.

The President and First Lady signed the book of condolences before having a conversation with Bishop Fekete. During the discussion, President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled his meetings with Pope Francis, including the Pope’s visit to Baku. The President highlighted that the Pope’s meeting with religious community representatives at the Heydar Mosque served as a powerful symbol of the importance of fostering unity among people. Aliyev emphasised that Pope Francis would be remembered as a humble individual who lived with the needs and aspirations of ordinary people in mind.

First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva also reflected with satisfaction on her personal encounters with Pope Francis.

In turn, Bishop Fekete expressed his gratitude to both the President and First Lady for their heartfelt condolences. He further noted that Pope Francis exemplified the qualities of a true leader of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. He was 88 years old and had been battling health issues, including a recent bout of pneumonia. His death came as a surprise, especially after he had appeared in St. Peter's Square just days earlier, suggesting his recovery was progressing well. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected pope in 2013.

By Vugar Khalilov