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Representative of Roman Catholic Church: I always observed dialogue in Azerbaijan

26 May 2025 12:54 (UTC +04:00)

“This is the third international conference dedicated to Islamophobia. Here, scholars, religious leaders, politicians, and economists come together. This event should emphasize the importance of dialogue worldwide,” the Ordinary of the Roman Catholic Church in Azerbaijan Vladimir Fekete told APA while commenting on the significance of the international scientific conference themed “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias and Shattering Stigmas” held in Baku.

V. Fekete also added that increasing tendencies of religious discrimination among people will not benefit humanity in any way: “Because if everyone closes themselves off to only their own group and says, ‘I am a Muslim and I do not want to have any connection with these bad Christians or Jews,’ or conversely, ‘I am a Jew and I accept no one,’ this situation will benefit no one. At today’s event, being participated by not only Muslims but also Christians and Jews, if they discussed existing challenges and shared their experiences this is an important example showing that mere information is insufficient and that exchange of information and dialogue are crucial.”

He also said that during the 15 years he has lived in Azerbaijan, he has always observed the presence of dialogue between religious leaders and ordinary people:

According to Vladimir Fekete, when there is mutual respect and dialogue, God shows the way out, because besides Islamophobia, antisemitism and Christianophobia also exist in the world: “This leads us to say that if people are not afraid of each other, but rather there is mutual respect and dialogue, God will show us the way out. The conference is dedicated to Islamophobia, but it is no secret that antisemitism and Christianophobia also exist worldwide. In France and other Christian countries, pressure against Christians is observed. In this regard, if we – Muslims, Christians, and Jews – come together here and can jointly discuss the manifestations of Islamophobia, antisemitism, and Christianophobia, God willing, we can find a way out of this situation. People must understand that if we can respect each other on the same land and appreciate each other’s successes, this is the path leading to the future.”