BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 14. Baku hosted
Saturday a reception on the event of the blessing of the grounds
and laying of the inspiration stone of the brand new church devoted to
Saint John Paul II, Pattern reviews.
Addressing the occasion, Fariz Rzayev, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister
of International Affairs, famous that the relations between Azerbaijan and
the Holy See are primarily based on friendship and shut cooperation, and are
creating in optimistic spirit.
In line with him, the visits of President Heydar Aliyev in 1997
and President Ilham Aliyev to the Vatican since 2005, in addition to
the visits of Pope John Paul II in 2002 and Pope Francis in 2016 to
Azerbaijan, have elevated our relationships to their current stage.
“We connect specific significance to our energetic and efficient
cooperation in preserving the values of intercultural and
interreligious dialogue. In Azerbaijan folks of assorted religions
and beliefs have lived collectively in concord and mutual respect for
centuries. The Catholic group has at all times loved steady
care and assist,” Fariz Rzayev stated.
The Azerbaijani Deputy FM emphasised that the involvement of the
Heydar Aliyev Basis within the restoration of Vatican’s historic
websites advances bilateral cooperation and contributes to the
preservation of worldwide cultural heritage and growth of
intercultural dialogue.
In his remarks, Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for the
Holy See’s Relations with States and Worldwide Organizations,
expressed his honest gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev, for his beneficiant contribution of land for the development
of the Catholic Church in Baku.
“I additionally want to lengthen my heartfelt due to the Heydar Aliyev
Basis, in addition to to the authorities of Baku, and to Ilgar
Mukhtarov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Holy See. I’m additionally
grateful to the various people of goodwill, whose efforts have
made the development of this church within the coronary heart of Baku potential.
Devoted to Saint Pope John Paul II, who in 2002 grew to become the primary
Successor of Saint Peter to go to this lovely nation, this
church will function a long-lasting image of the enduring friendship
between the Holy See and the Republic of Azerbaijan,” Paul R.
Gallagher famous.
“Whereas diplomatic ties had been formalized in 1992, the pleasant
relations between the Holy See and Azerbaijan have deep historic
roots that predate that second. The Holy See is dedicated to
additional strengthening contacts and cooperation with Azerbaijan,
significantly within the promotion of the ethical values of justice and
peace,” the archbishop added.
Paul R. Gallagher stated that at this time’s occasion additionally highlighted
Azerbaijan’s wealthy spiritual and cultural range. Describing
Azerbaijan as a rustic with a profound custom of
multiculturalism, he added that Azerbaijan stays open to dialogue
with all religions, together with the Catholic Church.
