Aliyev invites Pope Leo XIV to visit Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Azerbaijan during a meeting with George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

The two sides discussed relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, cooperation in interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and the activities of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan.

Koovakad conveyed greetings from Pope Leo XIV and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Aliyev asked him to pass on his best wishes in return.

The meeting also highlighted cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Holy See in preserving cultural heritage. Officials noted that a second Catholic church is being built in Azerbaijan.