Bilateral accord between Holy See and Azerbaijan confirmed

(July 06, 2011) An accord between the Holy See and the Republic of Azerbaijan regulating the juridical status of the Catholic Church in the former Soviet Republic came into force on Wednesday. The Accord, signed earlier between the two sides in the Azerbaijani capital Baku on April 29, and subsequently ratified by the respective governments came into force on Wednesday with the exchange of accords in the Vatican. Representing the Holy See at Wednesday’s meeting was Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican Secretary for relations with States. The Republic of Azerbaijan was represented by Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarova.
In his address to the delegation of Azerbaijan, Archbishop Mamberti described the accords as a high point in their relations. He said “This historical agreement is a valuable instrument, which implements the principle of religious freedom, which is of paramount importance. Furthermore, the new registration ensures that the local Catholic Church can live in peace and confidence, so as to better contribute to the common good the country. The event is also very meaningful because it provides evidence of the respect for a minority religious community as shown by a country with a conspicuous Muslim population, said Archbishop Mamberti.