Vatican city: A presentation ceremony for projects implemented jointly with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held at the Palazzo della Cancelleria in the Vatican. The event was attended by officials from the Holy See and Italy, scientific, political, and public figures, and representatives of the Vatican and Italian diplomatic corps. It 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" and a documentary film reflecting the friendship and cooperation between the Holy See and Azerbaijan were presented.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the "Pontes Culturae" publication was a collaborative effort 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 a meeting with Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, during her visit to the Vatican in October 2025. The publication and documentary highlight the significant cultural-humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the Foundation in the Vatican.
The projects, which began with National Leader Heydar Aliyev's visit to the Vatican in 1997, include restoration work in the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, among others. The event also noted the Foundation's collaboration with the Holy See's Bambino Ges¹ Pediatric Hospital. Gratitude was expressed to President Ilham Aliyev and the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, for their efforts in deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Ilgar Mukhtarov, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the Holy See, underscored the Foundation's numerous projects aimed at preserving cultural and religious heritage worldwide, emphasizing their role in fostering spiritual dialogue and transferring universal values to future generations. Pasquale Iacobone, President of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, commended the cooperation, highlighting the restoration and public opening of the Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter and other projects.
Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi, Archivist and Librarian of the Holy Roman Church, emphasized the role of libraries and archives as platforms for cultural dialogue and peace. Anar Alakbarov, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, spoke about ongoing and future projects, including new contracts for the restoration of monuments in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
A triptych carpet composition from the Foundation's "Heavenly Religions" project was also displayed at the event, symbolizing different religions and cultures, and expressing humanity's common values of peace, mercy, and justice. The project represents the universal values of Azerbaijani culture and its strategy of cultural diplomacy.