BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. An agreement for restoration work at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls has been signed between the Vatican City Governorate and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation,TurkicWorld reports.
The document was signed by Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Vatican City Governorate.
During the visit to the Vatican, the Azerbaijani delegation also held meetings with Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and other officials, where they discussed relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, as well as joint projects with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Over the years, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has played a significant role in the restoration of several historically important monuments in the Vatican and has been involved in various efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
After the meeting, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the Basilica of Saint Paul.
The Basilica of Saint Paul, one of the Vatican’s largest monuments, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. In 2025, more than 30 million Catholic pilgrims are expected to visit the church for the Holy Jubilee Year, which takes place every 25 years in the Vatican. The restoration work is primarily aimed at ensuring safe access for visitors during this significant event.
