Paul KeenanPope Francis has brought messages of peace and mutual respect to the nations of Georgia and Azerbaijan.
Visiting the countries over October 1 and 2 under the theme of ‘Pax Vobiscum’ (Peace to You), the Pope emphasised “peaceful coexistence among all peoples”.
Addressing Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili, the Pontiff noted that “the Catholic Church, which has been present for centuries in this country and has distinguished itself in a particular way for its commitment to human promotion and to charitable works, shares the joys and concerns of the Georgian people, and is resolved to offer its contribution for the well-being and peace of the nation, by actively cooperating with the authorities and civil society.”
Mood of joy
Despite a later attempt by the Orthodox Church to scupper an open air Mass at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in the capital Tbilisi – by calling on followers to stay away – a mood of joy and celebration greeted the Pontiff as he arrived to meet with Georgia’s minority Catholic community. It is estimated that just 1% of a population of nearly 4.5 million is Catholic.
Travelling on October 2 to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, Pope Francis again brought a message of mutual respect, urging religious leaders to foster tolerance between faiths – in a country becoming increasingly intolerant to rights under the presidency of Ilham Aliyev.
“Fraternity and sharing are invoked and longed for by those who desire the common good, and are above all pleasing to God, the compassionate and all merciful, who wishes his sons and daughters in the one human family to be ever more united among themselves and always in dialogue with one another.”
Responding to the Pontiff’s words, Sheikh Allahshukur Pashazade, the region’s chief imam, hailed Pope Francis’ efforts on behalf of migrants and for his condemnation of terrorism while seeking to distance true Islam from those groups bringing terror in its name.