President Ilham Aliyev received the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, on June 16.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the discussion highlighted the successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, emphasizing the significance of high-level reciprocal visits in strengthening bilateral ties. In this context, the importance of the Cardinal's upcoming visits to various regions of Azerbaijan was noted.
Expressing gratitude for the reception and hospitality, the Prefect conveyed the greetings of Pope Francis and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to the head of state. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his appreciation for the greetings and requested that his own regards be conveyed to the Pope and the Vatican Secretary of State.
The head of state recalled his visit to the Vatican and his meeting with Pope Francis, as well as the Pope's visit to Azerbaijan, with satisfaction. During the conversation, it was noted with pleasure that representatives of all peoples and religions have historically lived in Azerbaijan as one family in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect. The country's role as a center of tolerance and multiculturalism, and its significant global contributions to interreligious and intercultural dialogue, were emphasized.
The activities of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan were acknowledged, and it was noted that a second Catholic church is currently under construction in the country. The cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Holy See was also discussed, with the Foundation's projects in the Vatican highlighted for their role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting interreligious dialogue. The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on the prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See and other issues of mutual interest. President Ilham Aliyev presented a letter of invitation for Pope Francis to visit Azerbaijan to the Cardinal.
Azerbaijan has long positioned itself as a bridge between civilizations, actively promoting interfaith harmony. The relationship between Baku and the Holy See is characterized by mutual respect, with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation playing a pivotal role in restoring historical and cultural monuments in the Vatican, further cementing the strategic partnership between the two states.
