Baku: Cardinal George Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, concluded a five day visit to Azerbaijan that reinforced the long standing relationship between the Holy See and the Caucasian nation while promoting dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among different religious communities.
The visit, which took place from June 15 to 19, focused on strengthening cooperation between religious leaders and encouraging greater understanding among people of different faiths. During his stay in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, Cardinal Koovakad met government officials, religious leaders, and representatives of Christian and Jewish communities.
Speaking on June 18 at the residence of Sheikh ul Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the spiritual leader of Muslims in the Caucasus, the Cardinal expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received and praised the friendship that has developed over the years between the Holy See and Azerbaijan's religious communities.
The gathering was attended by Apostolic Prefect Vladimir Fekete, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the Holy See Ilgar Mukhtarov, and representatives of local Christian and Jewish groups. Cardinal Koovakad recalled the historic visits of Pope John Paul II in 2002 and Pope Francis in 2016, noting that these visits helped strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two sides.
The Cardinal highlighted the importance of interreligious dialogue in a world facing growing tensions and divisions. Drawing from the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, he said Christians and Muslims share a common responsibility to work together for peace and harmony. He emphasized that people of different faiths can cooperate while respecting their religious identities and traditions.
Cardinal Koovakad also referred to the bilateral agreement signed between the Holy See and Azerbaijan in 2011, as well as a memorandum of understanding on religious cooperation signed last year. According to him, these agreements demonstrate a shared belief that dialogue is not limited to exchanging ideas but involves building trust, friendship, and meaningful collaboration.
Looking toward the future, the Cardinal called for renewed efforts to build what he described as a "civilization of love," an idea recently reaffirmed by Pope Leo XIV. He outlined several key commitments that religious communities and world leaders should embrace.
These include rejecting language that promotes hatred and division, defending the dignity and rights of every person, listening to those who suffer from conflict and injustice, encouraging dialogue among religions and cultures, and strengthening international cooperation to address global challenges.
He stressed that these goals should not remain ideals on paper but must become practical responsibilities shared by governments, religious institutions, and civil society.
A major highlight of the visit was Cardinal Koovakad’s meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on June 16. During the meeting, the Cardinal conveyed greetings from Pope Leo XIV and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
According to Azerbaijani state media, discussions focused on the positive role of the Catholic Church in the country and the ongoing construction of a second Catholic church in Azerbaijan. The leaders also discussed the importance of maintaining an atmosphere of tolerance and multiculturalism as foundations for peace and social stability.
The talks further explored cooperation between the Holy See and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which has supported projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting dialogue among different religious communities.
Azerbaijan has often presented itself as a place where people of various faiths live together peacefully. The Cardinal’s visit was seen as another step in strengthening that image while deepening relations with the Vatican.
As global conflicts and social divisions continue to challenge communities around the world, the meetings in Baku underscored the shared commitment of religious and political leaders to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation across faith traditions. The visit also reaffirmed the importance of dialogue as a tool for building lasting peace and fostering stronger relationships between nations and religions.