Azerbaijani leader welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s election, reaffirms commitment to dialogue

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his election, according to a statement published on the official website of the Azerbaijani presidency.

In his letter addressed to the newly elected Pontiff, President Aliyev conveyed both personal congratulations and those of the Azerbaijani people, Caliber.Az reports.

"Your Holiness.

I am pleased to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, personally and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, on your election as Pope," the message began.

President Aliyev highlighted the strong relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, describing them as grounded in sincere dialogue and mutual respect.

"The current level of relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, marked by sincere dialogue and mutual understanding, serves as a model. We attach special importance to the development of our ties with the Holy See."

He emphasized Azerbaijan's deep-rooted values of tolerance and diversity, which form a cornerstone of the country’s domestic policy.

"In Azerbaijan, a country with centuries-old rich traditions of tolerance and multicultural values, the preservation of religious, spiritual, and ethno-cultural diversity remains one of the main priorities of state policy."

Looking to the future, Aliyev expressed confidence in the continued advancement of relations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican.

"I am confident that our fruitful cooperation with the Holy See will continue to develop successfully through our joint efforts in promoting universal values and creating the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust among civilizations."

Concluding his message, the Azerbaijani leader offered his best wishes to Pope Leo XIV: "I wish you strong health, a long life, and every success in your supreme mission for the sake of humanity and sacred ideals."

By Tamilla Hasanova