Vatican city: The Governorate of Vatican City State and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation have entered into a new agreement to restore significant monuments at the Basilica of Saint Paul. The agreement was signed by Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, alongside Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, in a meeting held at the Vatican.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the new project aims to restore the statues of St. Paul and St. Peter located inside St. Paul’s Basilica, as well as the statues of St. Paul and St. Luke in the basilica’s courtyard. During a tour of the basilica complex with Cardinal James Michael Harvey, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul, detailed information was shared about the ongoing work by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the upcoming phase of restoration efforts.
Basilica of Saint Paul, renowned as the second largest basilica in the Vatican after St. Peter’s Basilica, is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome. It is celebrated for its colossal dimensions, intricate mosaics, and long rows of columns, making it a prominent religious and cultural monument that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year.
The restoration project will employ advanced technologies, including laser surface cleaning and eco-friendly biological conservation methods, adhering to environmental safety standards. These techniques have been successfully used in previous restoration projects within the Vatican Gardens. During their visit, the delegation reviewed past restoration and construction efforts within the Basilica, spearheaded by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
On September 11, 2024, as part of the ‘Jubilee Year,’ a document was signed to ensure the preservation and restoration of the marble coverings and decorative elements of Saint Paul’s Basilica. All efforts outlined in the agreement have been successfully completed, underscoring the ongoing collaboration between the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.