Vatican Official’s Azerbaijan Visit Strengthens Interfaith Ties
Archbishop paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s key envoy for international relations, concluded a notable visit to Azerbaijan on Monday, December 16th. His trip, which began on Friday, December 13th, focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering interfaith understanding.
A central event of the visit was the Saturday groundbreaking ceremony for a new church in Baku, the capital city, dedicated to the late Pope John Paul II. This church, a symbol of enduring friendship between the Holy See and the Republic of Azerbaijan, represents a powerful testament to religious tolerance and cooperation.
“Dedicated to Saint pope John Paul II, who in 2002 became the first Successor of Saint Peter to visit this beautiful country, this church will serve as a lasting symbol of the enduring friendship between the Holy See and the Republic of Azerbaijan,” Gallagher noted during the ceremony.
Gallagher’s itinerary was packed with meetings and events. on Saturday, he engaged with local church leaders, visited the Meriam Merkezi Educational Centre, and met with the Apostolic Community of Upavi. Sunday included a Divine Liturgy at the Shrine of amalotbhava Nath in Baku, followed by a meeting with Sheikh ul Islam Allahukur, highlighting the commitment to interfaith dialog.
The visit concluded with high-level political meetings. On Monday, Archbishop Gallagher met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bairamov, further solidifying the Vatican’s diplomatic presence in the region.
This visit underscores the growing importance of interfaith relations in a world often marked by conflict. The construction of the church dedicated to Pope John Paul II serves as a beacon of hope, symbolizing the potential for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between different faiths. The Archbishop’s meetings with religious and political leaders demonstrate a commitment to building bridges and fostering understanding, a message that resonates deeply with the global community.
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s envoy for international relations, visited Azerbaijan to strengthen diplomatic ties and interfaith understanding. [[3]] He participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new church in Baku dedicated to Pope John Paul II.
This church will be a symbol of friendship between the Holy See and the Republic of Azerbaijan. [[1]] Gallagher met with religious leaders and Sheikh ul Islam Allahshukur,highlighting the commitment to interfaith dialog. [[3]] Gallagher also met with theAzerbaijani president and foreign minister, further strengthening diplomatic relations.
This visit demonstrates the Vatican’s commitment to interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence.
