On 16 June, the Sheikh of All the Caucasus, Haji Allahshukur Pashazade, met at the House of Tolerance with Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan. The distinguished guest was first briefed on the unique exhibits displayed at the House of Tolerance. Expressing his satisfaction with the conditions created there, Cardinal Koovakad said that this venue is an important contribution to interreligious dialogue, and he wrote his heartfelt words in the guest book. After touring the House of Tolerance, an official meeting was held between the Sheikh of All the Caucasus and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad. Highly valuing the Cardinal's visit to Azerbaijan, Haji Allahshukur Pashazade noted that this visit opens new paths in Azerbaijan–Vatican relations and will further develop those ties.
According to 525.az, the Sheikh of All the Caucasus particularly emphasized the visits to Azerbaijan by Popes John Paul II and Francis since the country gained independence.
Saying that the tolerant environment prevailing in Azerbaijan thanks to President Ilham Aliyev is an example for the entire world, Haji Allahshukur Pashazade noted that the religions in the country live together as one family.
Conveying Pope Leo's greetings to the Sheikh of All the Caucasus, Cardinal Koovakad recalled his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.
He praised the Azerbaijani people and their leader for promoting peace at the highest levels as commendable and rare, stating: "It is gratifying that today all the religious leaders active in Azerbaijan promote peace and stability. The human fraternity that exists in Azerbaijan is a message to the world." The Cardinal also noted that 2027 will be significant for both countries, as the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Azerbaijan will be marked.
Matters of mutual interest were then discussed. It should be noted that the Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, came to Azerbaijan at the invitation of the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims' Board, Allahshukur Pashazade. On 16 June, President Ilham Aliyev received George Jacob. The Cardinal is scheduled to visit the Albanian temples in the cities of Sheki and Gabala on 17–18 June.