Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, witnessed a momentous occasion as a monument to Saint John Paul II was unveiled on the grounds of the Parish of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The event, marked by a solemn Mass, attracted dignitaries and representatives from both the Holy See and Poland.
Leading the unveiling ceremony was Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, along with Archbishop Marek Solczynski, the Apostolic Nuncio to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, and Bishop Vladimir Fekete, the Apostolic Prefect in Azerbaijan. Their presence added a touch of reverence to the proceedings, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
The Polish Embassy in Baku confirmed that the service, ceremony, and subsequent meeting with representatives of the Holy See were attended by Ambassador Rafał Poborski, who represented the Republic of Poland in Azerbaijan. The ambassador’s presence underscored the strong ties between the two nations and their shared admiration for the late pontiff.
“The unveiling of the monument, after a solemn Mass, was performed by the Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Apostolic Nuncio to Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan Archbishop Marek Solczynski and the Apostolic Prefect in Azerbaijan Bishop Vladimir Fekete. The service, ceremony and meeting with representatives of the Holy See were attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Azerbaijan Rafał Poborski,”
reported the Polish Embassy in Baku.
Saint John Paul II, widely regarded as one of the most eminent Poles in history, left an indelible mark on the world during his papacy. As the head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, he played a pivotal role in shaping global events, promoting peace, and fostering interfaith dialogue.