Ilham Aliyev congratulates newly elected Pope Leo XIV

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has extended his congratulations to the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, following his election, the presidential website reported on Thursday.

In a congratulatory message addressed to Pope Leo XIV – 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Prevost – President Aliyev emphasized the exemplary level of relations and mutual understanding between Azerbaijan and the Holy See.

“We attach great importance to the development of ties with the Holy See. In Azerbaijan, which has a centuries-old tradition of tolerance and multicultural values, the preservation of religious, spiritual, and ethnocultural diversity remains a key state policy priority,” the statement read.

Aliyev expressed confidence that fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See would continue in the name of promoting universal values and fostering dialogue and trust among civilizations.

He wished Pope Leo XIV good health, long life, and success in his mission of serving humanity and sacred goals.