Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi: “We highly appreciate the projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Vatican and contributions made by the organization to universal treasures”

“We highly appreciate the projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Vatican and contributions made by the organization to universal treasures”. These were said by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, the President of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, in an interview to AzerTAg.

Expressing his pleasure of the meeting with Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, Gianfranco Ravasi said, during the numerous meetings so far held with Mehriban Aliyeva, he has witnessed how delicately and respectfully Mehriban Aliyeva approached other religions and cultures. Gianfranco Ravazi underscored Mehriban Aliyeva’s exclusive and historical role in deepening of the Azerbaijan-Vatican relations, expressing his great respect for the people and state of Azerbaijan,.

“Relations between Azerbaijan and Vatican have become significant reality. The last visit of the First Lady of Azerbaijan to Vatican will broaden the interstate relations further. Meetings have been held at different levels during the visit. Mehriban Aliyeva’s meeting with the Supreme Pontiff also is of significant importance. One of the most significant moments of the visit was the acquaintance with the Saint Marcellino and Pietro Catacombs, restored with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. We would like to once more stress that we highly appreciate the works done by the Foundation in this sphere, and we are very grateful for this support. The projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Vatican are not limited to the restoration of the catacombs. The Foundation has also contributed to the restoration of manuscripts related to Azerbaijan in the Apostolic Library. We are well informed of the worldwide support provided by the Foundation, headed by Mehriban Aliyeva, for children, the elderly and the poor, as well as various humanitarian projects.  In short, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been doing significant works in a number of areas. While on a visit to this country, I’ve witnessed people representing various religions, ethnic groups and communities peacefully living in this country with equal rights. Muslims, Christians and Jews are peacefully living in Azerbaijan. Recently I’ve made my second trip to Azerbaijan. Within the framework of the visit, I travelled the regions of Azerbaijan along with Baku, and got acquainted with historical monuments there. I suppose Azerbaijan has great opportunities to attract foreign tourists. In this country, there are a number of interesting places and historical monuments related to various cultures being preserved with great delicacy that would attract tourists. Regardless of the religion, language and race, everyone in this country is welcomed with great hospitality and treated very kindly. Therefore, my trips to Azerbaijan have left very warm impressions in me.”, - said Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi.