Cardinal Parolin visited Azerbaijan at the invitation of President Aliyev, to emphasise the importance of good relations between the Vatican and Azerbaijan – relations that, at the diplomatic level between the Holy See and the Republic of Azerbaijan, were established thirty years ago.

On Sunday, 9 July, in the early afternoon, Cardinal Parolin presided at the celebration of Mass in the Church of Mary Immaculate in Baku, adjacent to the Salesian centre, with many faithful present. In the homily he recalled some important events in the recent history of the local Church in Azerbaijan and encouraged local Catholics to witness joyfully to their faith in Jesus Christ.

After the solemn Eucharist, in the courtyard of the church, the Cardinal unveiled and blessed the statue of St John Paul II, the first Pope ever to visit Azerbaijan, in 2002.

In honour of the Cardinal, the Apostolic Prefect in Azerbaijan, Salesian Bishop Vladimir Fekete, organised a festive meal for the Cardinal's retinue and for all priests, men and women religious working in the Apostolic Prefecture.

During lunch, the Secretary of State of the Holy See took an interest in the educational and social projects developed in Azerbaijan by the Salesian Community, which began in Baku 23 years ago.

The same day the Cardinal visited the home for the sick and homeless run by the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa in Baku.

Cardinal Parolin's visit also included a meeting with representatives of the traditional religions of Azerbaijan, organised by the Imam of Caucasian Muslims, Sheykhulisam Alahshukur Pashazade in his residence.

At the end of his mission in Baku, Cardinal Parolin went to Yerevan.

Azerbaijan has ancient Christian roots, but the rebirth of the Catholic Church in the country began in 1997 with the arrival of the first diocesan priest, the Polish Father Jerzy Pilus, who in two years managed to get the Catholic community recognised by the government.

In 2001 the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples established the Missio sui iuris of Baku, entrusting it to the Salesians of Don Bosco, who have since led the small Catholic flock in the country. The Missio sui iuris was then elevated to the Apostolic Prefecture of Azerbaijan in 2011, and the Superior of the Salesian community, Fr Vladimir Fekete, was simultaneously appointed first Prefect Apostolic ; then, on 8 December 2017 he was finally elevated by Pope Francis to episcopal dignity, and was consecrated bishop the following 11 February. 

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