Azerbaijan’s top cleric attends Nostra Aetate celebration at Vatican
The event, titled “Walking Together in Hope,” was held at the Paul VI Hall and gathered around 2,000 participants, including global religious leaders and diplomats accredited to the Holy See
VATICAN CITY (MNTV/AP) — Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, attended a ceremony at the Vatican celebrating the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the landmark declaration that reshaped the Catholic Church’s relations with non-Christian religions.
The event, titled “Walking Together in Hope,” was held at the Paul VI Hall and gathered around 2,000 participants, including global religious leaders and diplomats accredited to the Holy See.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, delivered opening remarks highlighting six decades of dialogue and cooperation among faiths.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV praised the “deep and lasting” relationships established between the Catholic Church and other religions, including Islam.
He expressed gratitude to those who contributed to advancing interfaith understanding and cited the 2019 “Document on Human Fraternity” signed in Abu Dhabi by the late Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb as a milestone for global peace efforts.
The pontiff also urged people of all faiths to stand united against violence and injustice, calling on religious leaders to continue fostering peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Promulgated in 1965 during the Second Vatican Council, Nostra Aetate — Latin for “In Our Time” — remains a cornerstone of the Church’s outreach to other faiths, especially Judaism and Islam. Its legacy continues to guide interreligious dialogue and cooperation worldwide.
Sheikhulislam Pashazade’s participation underscored Azerbaijan’s ongoing role in promoting interfaith harmony and dialogue between the Muslim world and Christian institutions.
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