President Aliyev: Christian community holds distinctive place in modern Azerbaijani society Letter to Pope Francis

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in his letter to Pope Francis on the occasion of Christmas, has emphasized the significant role of Azerbaijan’s Christian community and the country’s dedication to multiculturalism and interfaith harmony.

“The Christian community holds a distinctive place in modern Azerbaijani society. Our Christian citizens, who have settled in Azerbaijan and lived here as a family for hundreds of years, play a significant role in the public, political, social, and cultural life of our homeland, contributing greatly to the prosperity of our beloved country,” President Aliyev stated, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azertag.

The president said that ancient Christian heritage, shrines, churches, and other places of worship across Azerbaijan are protected equally alongside mosques and synagogues by the Azerbaijani state.

Aliyev also noted Azerbaijan’s active role in preserving Christian monuments that are considered gems of world cultural heritage, thus promoting intercultural dialogue.

President Aliyev also expressed satisfaction with the ties between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, underscoring upcoming projects that demonstrate the depth of this relationship. “We are pleased with the established relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See. Our bilateral ties are marked by numerous reciprocal visits, constant contacts, and significant milestones. It is with satisfaction that I note the upcoming construction of a second Catholic church in our country, to be built in honor of Pope John Paul II. This project demonstrates great attention and care toward our country’s Catholic community and symbolizes the high level of relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See,” he added.

The president further reflected on Azerbaijan’s unique identity as a hub of multiculturalism and tolerance. “Azerbaijan is one of the unique destinations where different civilizations converge, and where, for centuries, a national and cultural mosaic, along with an atmosphere of tolerance, have thrived. Representatives of various nationalities and faiths have coexisted in peace, safety, mutual trust, and respect. We take pride in all of this and cherish these values as national treasures,” he said.

President Aliyev also highlighted the enthusiasm with which the Christian community celebrates Christmas in Azerbaijan, describing it as a testament to the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity. “As an inseparable part of the Azerbaijani society, the Christian community’s celebration of this holiday, as always, with particular enthusiasm and excitement, is a vivid testament to the ethnic and cultural diversity and rich traditions of multiculturalism that prevail in Azerbaijan.”

Concluding his message, the president underlined the intrinsic nature of Azerbaijan’s multiculturalism and religious harmony. “It is no coincidence that, alongside being aligned with the policies pursued by the Azerbaijani state, the preservation of friendship between peoples, interfaith harmony, and traditions of multiculturalism and tolerance are, first and foremost, the natural way of life for our people,” he wrote.

By Khagan Isayev