Vatican city: First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva visited Saint Peter’s Basilica to assess the progress of restoration projects supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the Archpriest of Saint Peter’s Basilica, provided Mehriban Aliyeva with comprehensive information on the Basilica and the ongoing restoration efforts. The Basilica, the largest church globally and a pivotal religious center for Catholics, is among the four Papal basilicas in the Vatican. Its foundation dates back to the 4th century, with its current architectural structure reflecting the 16th to 17th centuries.

The Pope heads the Church, while a Cardinal appointed by the Holy See manages the Vatican City State. Since February 20, 2021, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, an Italian native, has been leading Saint Peter’s Basilica.

A significant restoration agreement was signed on February 28, 2019, between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Saint Peter’s Basilica. The agreement focused on restoring the bas-relief of the “meeting between Pope Leo I and Hun Emperor Attila” and the “Tullius Zetus” mausoleum in the Basilica’s necropolis. The restoration project has now been completed.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti expressed his sincere gratitude to Mehriban Aliyeva for the efficient and high-quality restoration work facilitated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.