Another agreement on restoration works at St. Paul’s Basilica has been signed between the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
“Elchi” reports that the document was signed at a meeting held in the Vatican by Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Sister Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State.
Within the framework of the new project, it is planned to restore the statues of Saint Paul and Saint Peter located inside St. Paul’s Basilica, as well as the statues of Saint Paul and Saint Luke in the courtyard of the Basilica.
During a tour of the basilica complex accompanied by Cardinal James Harvey, Archpriest of St. Paul’s Basilica, detailed information was provided about the work carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the work planned for the next stages.
It was noted that St. Paul’s Basilica, the second largest church in the Vatican after St. Peter’s Basilica, is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome. Distinguished by its monumental dimensions, rich mosaics, and long rows of columns, the basilica holds great importance as a religious and cultural monument and is visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.
Modern technologies are planned to be applied during the restoration works. In particular, it is planned to carry out surface cleaning using laser technology and conservation work with biological agents that do not harm nature. These methods have previously been successfully applied in the Vatican Gardens as well.
There was also a review of previous restoration and construction works carried out in the basilica with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
It should be noted that on September 11, 2024, within the framework of the “Holy Jubilee Year” celebrated by the Holy See every 25 years, a document was signed between the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, providing for the protection, security, and restoration of the marble coverings and decorative elements of St. Paul’s Basilica. The restoration and conservation works carried out in the Basilica within the framework of that agreement have already been successfully completed.
