BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. On April 30, a
presentation ceremony for projects implemented jointly with the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held at the Palazzo della Cancelleria
(Chancellery Palace) in the Vatican, Trend reports.
The event, attended by officials from the Holy See and Italy,
scientific, political, and public figures, and representatives of
the Vatican and Italian diplomatic corps, provided information on
the history of cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and
the Vatican, as well as projects implemented since 2012.
Additionally, the book "Pontes Culturae" (Bridges of Culture),
which covers these projects, and a documentary film reflecting the
friendship and cooperation established between the Holy See and
Azerbaijan over the years were presented. The film highlights the
Foundation’s cultural-humanitarian initiatives in the Vatican and
the work carried out to restore historical and religious heritage
sites.
The "Pontes Culturae" publication was prepared by the Heydar
Aliyev Foundation, the Vatican's Pontifical Commission for Sacred
Archaeology, and the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the Holy See. The
first copy of the book was presented to Pope Leo XIV during the
meeting with Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, during her visit to the Vatican in October 2025.
The publication and documentary provide information on the
history of relations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican, the role
of National Leader Heydar Aliyev's first official visit to the
Vatican in 1997 in developing these ties, and official mutual
visits aimed at expanding cultural and interreligious dialogue. The
significance of the projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation in the Vatican since 2012 is also noted. The materials
reflect the Foundation's work with the Pontifical Commission for
Sacred Archaeology on the restoration of catacombs, the
digitization of manuscripts with the Vatican Apostolic Library,
restoration work in the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and
the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, as well as
cooperation projects with the Holy See's Bambino Gesù Pediatric
Hospital.
During the event, gratitude was expressed to President Ilham
Aliyev and the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban
Aliyeva, for the policy and efforts aimed at deepening cooperation
between the two countries.
Ilgar Mukhtarov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the Holy See, stated
that at the initiative of Mehriban Aliyeva, the Foundation has
implemented numerous projects aimed at preserving cultural and
religious heritage in various regions of the world, including the
Vatican. He emphasized that these projects are not limited only to
the restoration of architectural monuments but also serve as an
expression of respect for humanity’s collective memory,
establishing a spiritual dialogue between the past and the future,
and transferring universal values to future generations.
Pasquale Iacobone, President of the Pontifical Commission for
Sacred Archaeology, highly praised the existing cooperation between
the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Vatican. He noted that the
collaboration with the Vatican began with the first agreement
signed in 2012 and expanded progressively in subsequent years with
the restoration and public opening of the Catacombs of Saints
Marcellinus and Peter, as well as the Catacomb of Saint Sebastian.
The agreements signed in 2016, 2018, and 2021 have contributed to
making this cooperation more robust and sustainable.
He stated that the implemented projects are considered a common
heritage of humanity as a whole, not just for Rome or the Catholic
Church, and in this regard, their preservation and transmission to
future generations are of great importance. Tthe restoration and
renovation work carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation resulted not only in the protection of monuments but
also in progress within the scientific-research and technological
fields. The application of new methods during the restoration
process and the results obtained have contributed to the
advancement of academic research.
Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi, Archivist and Librarian of the Holy
Roman Church, emphasized in his speech that libraries and archives
are not only scientific research centers but also important
platforms that create dialogue between different cultures and
peoples. He noted that the documents and manuscripts preserved in
these institutions reflect the collective memory of humanity and
unite scholars around common values.
He pointed out that these entities, while being under the direct
patronage of the Holy See, also play the role of a "space of
peace." It was emphasized that support shown to such cultural
centers essentially means a contribution to peace and mutual
understanding.
Anar Alakbarov, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, noted in his speech the Foundation's activities in
restoring historical monuments and the leading role of First
Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva in implementing these projects. He
emphasized that as a continuation of the cooperation with the
Vatican, new contracts have been signed for the restoration of four
monuments located in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls,
and a presentation of the restored and renovated monuments with the
participation of local entities is planned for the near future.
Anar Alakbarov also noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation
implements projects for the protection of cultural heritage not
only in Azerbaijan but in various countries around the world, and
there are plans to expand activities in this field.
Subsequently, a triptych carpet composition, created within the
framework of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's "Heavenly Religions"
project dedicated to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, was
displayed. Each of the three carpets symbolizes different religions
and cultures, yet when brought together, they express the common
values of humanity - peace, mercy, and justice. The project is an
embodiment of universal values stemming from the depths of
Azerbaijani culture and its strategy of cultural diplomacy.
