Azerbaijan praises deepening ties with Vatican as Aliyev sends message to Pope Leo XIV

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has extended congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the anniversary of his election as head of the Catholic Church, praising the steadily deepening relationship between Azerbaijan and the Holy See and highlighting the country’s commitment to multiculturalism and interfaith dialogue.

In his message, President Aliyev stressed that bilateral relations are “based on mutual respect and understanding” and continue to develop “on an upward trajectory and gaining new substance day by day,” Caliber.Az reports, citing state media.

“These ties serve well-intentioned goals, such as the promotion of interfaith harmony and cultural diversity globally, as well as the creation of an environment of mutual trust between civilizations,” the Azerbaijani leader noted.

Aliyev also underscored Azerbaijan’s model of religious coexistence, describing the country as “one of the centers of multiculturalism worldwide,” where “ethnic and religious diversity is protected as a national treasure, and equal conditions are created for all confessions.”

“We take pride in the fact that Azerbaijan is a place where people belonging to different religions and faiths live in an atmosphere of kindness and mutual understanding,” he added, pointing to the foundation-laying of a new Catholic church in Baku as “a clear example of interfaith harmony, multiculturalism, and traditions of tolerance.”

The President further highlighted long-standing cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Holy See, noting restoration projects in the Vatican as a symbol of Azerbaijan’s contribution to preserving religious and cultural heritage.

Aliyev expressed confidence that cooperation would continue to expand, stating: “I highly value your contribution to the development of sincere dialogue and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See. I am confident that our bilateral relations will continue to strengthen and deepen for the sake of promoting universal values and inter-civilizational understanding.”

Concluding his message, the Azerbaijani President wished Pope Leo XIV “robust health, a long life, and continued success in your high and sacred mission.”