On April 26, President Emomali Rahmon paid an official visit to the Vatican, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
The Honorary Guard lined up in the Courtyard of San Damaso to welcome the distinguished guest.
Emomali Rahmon was reportedly warmly received by Pope Francis in an audience in the building of the Holy See.
During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of strengthening beneficial cooperation, says the Tajik president’s official website.
It was reportedly emphasized that all conditions for tolerance and coexistence of representatives of all religions have been created in Tajikistan. The Tajik people, who have historically made a significant contribution to the world civilization with the development of their rich science and literature, welcome any inter-religious and inter-civilization dialogues.
It was highlighted that the Holy See as a subject of the international system plays an important role in world affairs. Its constant contribution to the implementation of the principles of peace and stability, tolerance and harmony in the international arena is significant.
After the meeting and negotiations, the Pope of Rome reportedly got acquainted with the official delegation of Tajikistan.
Vatican News says discussions at the Secretariat of State highlighted the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples and cultures for the promotion of world peace and harmony.
The Holy See Press Office noted that in their cordial dicussions held at the Secretariat of State, the leaders recalled the good relations between the Holy See and Tajikistan, while matters regarding some of the country’s political and socio-economic situation were also discussed. Particular attention focused on "the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples and cultures for the promotion of peace and stability in the world."
In the customary exchange of gifts, President Rahmon reportedly gave the Pope a copy of a world renowned Sasanian rock sculpture relief (Ahura Mazda and Ardashir I) found in Iran. Pope Francis offered the President a sculpture called “Delicate Flower” together with a series of pontifical documents, including this year's message for the World Day of Peace.
The Holy See, also called the See of Rome, Petrine See or Apostolic See, is the jurisdiction of the pope in his role as the Bishop of Rome. It includes the apostolic episcopal see of the Diocese of Rome, which has ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the worldwide Catholic Church and sovereignty over the city-state known as the Vatican City. As the supreme body of government of the Catholic Church, the Holy See enjoys the status of a sovereign juridical entity under international law.
Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is a landlocked sovereign country, city-state, microstate, and enclave within Rome, Italy. It became independent from Italy in 1929 with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under “full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction” of the Holy See, itself a sovereign entity under international law, which maintains the city-state's temporal power and governance, diplomatic, and spiritual independence. The Vatican is also a metonym for the pope, Holy See, and Roman Curia.
