Baku, April 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baku today to express their condolences following the passing of Pope Francis.
Upon their arrival, the President and the First Lady were warmly received by Bishop Vladimir Fekete, the Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan.
President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva signed the book of condolences, paying tribute to the late pontiff. Following the signing, they held a conversation with Bishop Fekete.
During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled his interactions with Pope Francis, including the pontiff’s historic visit to Baku. He highlighted the significance of Pope Francis’s meeting with representatives of religious communities at the Heydar Mosque, noting that it sent a powerful message about unity and peaceful coexistence. The President emphasized that Pope Francis would be remembered as a humble and compassionate leader who deeply understood and shared the hopes and needs of ordinary people.
First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva also shared her memories of meeting Pope Francis, reflecting on his warmth and commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Bishop Vladimir Fekete expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the President and the First Lady for their condolences. He praised Pope Francis as a true role model and an inspiring figure who had left a lasting legacy as the head of the Catholic Church.
