President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Pope Francis on the occasion of the anniversary of his inauguration.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the letter emphasizes the flourishing relationship between Azerbaijan and the Holy See. "It is gratifying that the relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, based on mutual respect and understanding, are developing on an upward trend and gaining new substance day by day," the President stated in his message. He noted that these ties contribute to the promotion of interreligious harmony and the creation of an environment of mutual trust between civilizations.
The head of state further highlighted Azerbaijan's role as a center for multiculturalism, where ethnic and religious diversity are protected as national assets. He specifically pointed to the laying of the foundation for a new Catholic church in Baku as a concrete example of the country's traditions of tolerance. Furthermore, President Ilham Aliyev praised the long-standing cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which has supported significant restoration projects in the Vatican, demonstrating Azerbaijan's commitment to preserving universal cultural heritage.
Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See were established in 1992, shortly after Azerbaijan regained its independence. Over the past three decades, the two parties have collaborated extensively on humanitarian and cultural projects. The Vatican has frequently praised Azerbaijan's model of peaceful coexistence among various religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews, which remains a cornerstone of the country's state policy.
