This morning, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in Audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Her Excellency Mehriban Aliyeva, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Reverend Monsignor Daniel Pacho, Undersecretary for the Multilateral Sector of the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial talks in the Secretariat of State, both parties expressed satisfaction for the development and strengthening of existing bilateral relations, with particular reference to cultural cooperation and appreciation for the role of the Church in the country.

The discussions also touched upon issues of common interest, in particular, the need for stable and lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

From the Vatican, 17 October 2025