Caucasus Sheikh-Ul-Islam gets highest Vatican award

The Vatican Nuncio Claudio Guggerrotti handed an order and certificate to Pashazada on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI for his contribution in promoting religious tolerance in Azerbaijan and inter-religious dialog.

Addressing the ceremony, the Vatican representative condemned the publication of the outrageous cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in some European newspapers that have outraged believers throughout the Islamic world, AssA-Irada informs.

"If someone insults the religious values of others, this impedes dialog between religions that has been built for centuries. We are against any activity leading to confrontation among people and will support the Sheikh's efforts in promoting tolerance," Guggerrotti said.

"There are some people without religion and faith in the West that have caused the problems we are experiencing now."

Sheikh Pashazada, thanking Guggerrotti for the high award, said he is pleased with the fact religious tolerance in the country received such a high assessment from Vatican.

"Leaders of different creeds should meet to develop relations and dialogue between religions. Clerical figures should find a way to make sure that no politicians use religion for political goals," said Pashazada. He added that there is no religious stand-off between Christians and Muslims, and the high award he received proves this.

/AzerNEWS/