The Italian leading media outlets, including Giornale Diplomatico, il Messaggero, Askanews, La Cronaca di Roma, Virgilio and Zazoom, published articles highlighting the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's another contribution to the restoration of historically significant monuments in the Vatican and its actively involvement in cultural heritage protection.

The articles noted that Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, signed an agreement for the restoration of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

The articles also draw readers' attention to Anar Alakbarov’s meetings with various officials, including Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, which featured discussions on the relationship between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, as well as joint projects with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

“In 2025, over 30 million Catholic pilgrims are expected to visit the basilica during Jubilee 2025, a once-every-25-years event organized by the Vatican. The restoration work aims to ensure safe access for visitors to this important religious site during the Jubilee Year 2025. The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, one of the Vatican’s major monuments, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980,” the articles emphasized.

Nihad Budagov

Special correspondent