Azerbaijan, Vatican deepen ties with high-level meetings, cultural projects PHOTO

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva held a series of high-level meetings and cultural engagements in the Vatican, underscoring the deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See.

Mehriban Aliyeva met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, during which she congratulated the Catholic world on the “Jubilee Year” and expressed her appreciation for his participation in COP29, held in Azerbaijan in November 2024. She highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to religious tolerance and multiculturalism, both as a state policy and societal value, and spoke about the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s collaborative initiatives with the Holy See.

The First Vice-President also announced a major development regarding the Catholic community in Azerbaijan: construction of a second Catholic Church in Baku, following a positive decision by President Ilham Aliyev. She stressed Cardinal Parolin’s role as a close friend of Azerbaijan and thanked him for supporting steady and successful bilateral cooperation.

Cardinal Parolin praised Azerbaijan’s efforts in promoting religious harmony, noting that the church’s construction and the recent awarding of the “Friendship” Order to Bishop Vladimir Fekete, Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, demonstrate the country’s respect for all religions. He also welcomed the progress on peace initiatives between Azerbaijan and Armenia, reaffirming the Vatican’s support for lasting peace in the region.

Later, First Vice-President Aliyeva met with Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, to discuss further cooperation in cultural, religious, and humanitarian fields. Sister Petrini expressed gratitude for the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s projects in the Vatican and warmly accepted an invitation to visit Azerbaijan in the near future.

In a symbolic gesture of friendship, Aliyeva and Sister Petrini, along with family members, participated in a tree-planting ceremony in the Vatican Gardens. A pomegranate tree, gifted by Azerbaijan, was planted as a symbol of life, family unity, abundance, and cultural heritage, further cementing bilateral friendship.

First Vice-President Aliyeva also visited Saint Peter’s Basilica to review the restoration work supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Basilica, detailed the restoration of significant elements, including the bas-relief of “Pope Leo I meeting Hun Emperor Attila” and the “Tullius Zetus” mausoleum, expressing appreciation for the rapid and high-level implementation of the project.

Additionally, Aliyeva visited the Vatican Apostolic Library and Archive, where Archbishop Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi briefed her on the historical manuscripts restored and digitized with Azerbaijani support. The projects, which include Turkic heritage manuscripts, provide Azerbaijani scholars access to rare historical sources, enhancing research on the country’s cultural legacy. Aliyeva also presented a collection of books and publications highlighting Azerbaijan’s history, nature, and culture.