Mehriban Aliyeva's visit to the Vatican in the focus of world media

Official visit of the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva to the Holy See and her meetings are in the focus of world media attention.

As reported by AZERTAG, the Argentine news agency Real Politik provided detailed coverage of the meeting between First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and Pope Leo XIV, which took place on October 17. The article notes that, thanking Pope Leo XIV for the reception, the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized that relations and bilateral ties between the Vatican and Azerbaijan have developed significantly in recent years. The First Vice-President noted that in recent years, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has done a lot of work with the Holy See in the field of restoration works, as well as scientific research and cultural exchanges.

The First Vice-President emphasized that after the successful completion of some projects implemented in accordance with agreements signed between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Vatican, the implementation of others has begun.

Mehriban Aliyeva said that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, coming up with new initiatives, will continue to expand cooperation with the Holy See.

At the meeting, information was provided about the activities of the Catholic Church of the Holy See in Azerbaijan, as well as about preparations for the construction of a second Catholic church.

It is brought to attention that Pope Leo XIV noted the long history of bilateral cooperation between the Vatican State and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Noting that relations have developed significantly thanks to initiatives put forward by Mehriban khanym several years ago, the Pope thanked the First Vice-President. Leo XIV noted that this cooperation has given a huge impetus to interreligious and inter-civilization dialogue, and Azerbaijan in this regard is at the forefront on a global scale.

Expressing interest in continuing to implement projects with Azerbaijan, the head of the Holy See asked to convey gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for the allocated land plot for the construction of a second Catholic church.

It is reported that First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva invited the Pope to visit Azerbaijan, and this gesture was received with satisfaction by the Pope.

Argentine Radio María (a news portal and online radio) also informed its audience about Mehriban Aliyeva's meeting with Pope Leo XIV, calling it an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the Vatican and Azerbaijan.

The article states that First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva also met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the parties discussed issues of mutual interest. It was noted that the Vatican highly appreciates the initialing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and unequivocally supports the establishment of peace in the region. There was also an exchange of views on cooperation in the field of culture and the activities of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan.

The material published on the Italian portal Eurasiaticanews mentions that on October 16, the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan took part in the opening ceremony of the restoration project of the Catacombs of Saint Commodilla, implemented with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and familiarized herself with the restoration work carried out. The ceremony was also attended by the president of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, Monsignor Pasquale Iacobone, former president of the Pontifical Commission for Culture and Sacred Archaeology Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, and the president of Rome's VIII district, Amedeo Ciaccheri.

It is recalled that the agreement on the restoration of the Commodilla catacombs between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology was signed on March 4, 2021, with restoration work aimed at developing the Commodilla catacombs. Modern methods and technologies were applied in the restoration process, including environmentally friendly materials safe for workers' health. Nanotechnology was used in strengthening artifacts, and laser technology was used in the processing of painted surfaces. All materials were selected with consideration for their high compatibility with the underground environment.

It should be noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, actively funding large-scale restoration works in the Vatican, makes a significant contribution to the preservation of world cultural heritage. These initiatives are highly valued by the Holy See as an example of effective cooperation and strengthening of intercultural ties.

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