On March 9, an iftar feast was organized in Rome at the initiative of the Caucasus Muslims Board and the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the Holy See.
AZERTAC reports that the ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, who is on a visit to the Vatican; heads of religious confessions in Azerbaijan; numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Italy and to the Holy See; and state, religious, and public figures. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, represented His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Holy See and the International Media Communication Club (MICC) also supported the organization of the ceremony, which aimed to build direct bridges between citizens and state and public institutions.
The iftar feast, another contribution by Azerbaijan to interreligious dialogue and cooperation on a global scale, brought together representatives of various religions—Muslims, Christians, and Jews. It aimed to continue and further strengthen dialogue during a period marked by deep geopolitical confrontations, humanitarian crises, and raging wars. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this initiative was that this year's iftar feast coincided with the sacred dates of the three major monotheistic religions: the convergence of Islam's month of Ramadan, Christianity's Feast of the Annunciation, and the Jewish holiday of Purim.
The iftar ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.
The moderator of the ceremony, Secretary General of the International Media Communication Club Nizar Ramadan, spoke and stated that the main goal is to promote the real integration of various communities and ensure their full rights within the framework of respect for national legislations.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Holy See, Ms. Rajae Naji, noted that this ceremony would contribute to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between countries and communities. She stated that by organizing this ceremony together, both Morocco and Azerbaijan reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and inspired collective action for a more fraternal world.
In his speech, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, conveyed the greetings of Pope Leo XIV to the ceremony participants. He stated that such initiatives demonstrate that diplomacy is carried out not only at negotiation tables but also at feasts of hospitality. Sharing a meal together creates mutual understanding, strengthens trust, and reaffirms our shared dignity. Indeed, friendship between peoples is strengthened not only through agreements and partnerships but also through these simple yet deeply meaningful gestures of shared communication.
Our country's Ambassador to the Holy See, Ilgar Mukhtarov, noted that the fact that the iftar ceremony coincided with the celebration of the holy days of the three monotheistic religions carries great symbolic meaning. He pointed out that Azerbaijan has historically been a country where various religions and nations have lived together in peace and harmony for centuries. Emphasizing that the iftar ceremony is an open and sincere call for brotherhood, the diplomat stated that in a world characterized by conflict, polarization, and mistrust, such messages are true spiritual guidance for our time. Therefore, diversity is not a threat but an expression of divine wisdom. Difference exists for dialogue to flourish, and knowing one another is not optional but a moral responsibility.
In his speech, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade stated that this iftar ceremony, which has become a symbol of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See in the field of interreligious dialogue, is a clear manifestation of the culture of peace and peaceful coexistence in the world and an important contribution to the strengthening of relations. Stating that the Azerbaijani state restored its internationally recognized territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, A. Pashazade noted that today the Azerbaijani state is restoring and constructing our religious and spiritual heritage sites—mosques and temples belonging to all religions—which were destroyed as a result of acts of vandalism during the period of occupation.
Emphasizing that relations between the Holy See and the Azerbaijani state are developing successfully and that high-level mutual visits are carried out regularly, the Sheikh-ul-Islam stated that the great contributions made by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva through the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to the restoration of historical religious monuments in the Vatican serve to further deepen bilateral relations.
After the speeches, commemorative gifts were presented, and a group of individuals was honored for their contributions to interreligious dialogue.
The ceremony was widely covered by the Italian media.