Construction of Catholic church in honour of Pope John Paul II begins in Azerbaijan’s Baku

Preparation has begun in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku for the construction of a Catholic church dedicated to Pope John Paul II.

Baku’s City Capital Construction and Repair LLC, under the city's Executive Power, has commenced project work for the church's development, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

As part of the preparation, project and cost estimation documents are being developed, with a budget of 655,000 manats allocated for this purpose. The plans include topographical and geological studies as well as urban planning justifications for the construction.

In December, a ceremony to consecrate the site took place, attended by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See.

This event was held under the instructions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Baku City Executive Power.

The church is being built in honour of Saint John Paul II, who served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005 and visited Azerbaijan in 2002.

By Naila Huseynova