Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade attended Iftar in Rome

On March 9, an iftar gathering was held in Rome at the initiative of the Caucasus Muslims Board and the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Holy See. The event was organized with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Vatican and the International Media Communication Club. The Holy See was represented at the ceremony by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State.

Among those attending the iftar were Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, who is currently visiting the Vatican; Bishop Vladimir Fekete, Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan; Bishop Alexiy of Baku and Azerbaijan; Robert Mobili, Chairman of the Alban-Udi Christian community; Alexander Sharovsky, Chairman of the European Jewish community of Baku; as well as numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See and Italy, together with public figures.

The iftar, which brought together representatives of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism around one table, was regarded as an important contribution to the development of interreligious dialogue and cooperation at the global level. Held at a time of geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises, the gathering aimed to strengthen dialogue and promote mutual understanding among peoples.

It was also symbolic that during this period sacred occasions of the three Abrahamic religions coincided: the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Christian Feast of the Annunciation, and the Jewish festival of Purim.

In his remarks, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, conveyed the greetings of Pope Leo XIV to the participants. He emphasized that such initiatives demonstrate that diplomacy is carried out not only at negotiating tables but also in an atmosphere of hospitality and shared fellowship. According to the Cardinal, sharing a meal helps to strengthen mutual trust and friendship among peoples.

Ilgar Mukhtarov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Holy See, noted in his address that holding the iftar at a time when sacred celebrations of the three Abrahamic religions coincide carries special symbolic significance. He emphasized that Azerbaijan has historically been a country where people of different religions and nationalities have lived together in peace and harmony for centuries. In a world often characterized by conflict and mistrust, he said, such initiatives serve as a moral guide and a call for fraternity.

For his part, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade noted that this iftar has become a symbol of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See in the field of interreligious dialogue. He underlined that relations between the Azerbaijani state and the Holy See are developing successfully, and that high-level mutual visits contribute to further strengthening cooperation. The Sheikh-ul-Islam also highlighted the significant contribution of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to the restoration of historic religious monuments in the Vatican.

At the conclusion of the event, commemorative gifts were presented to the participants, and a number of individuals were honored for their contributions to the development of interreligious dialogue.