16 November 2004, 23:05
Sheikh Allakhshukyur Pasha-zade to meet with Pope John Paul II
Yesterday, November 15, head of the Spiritual Administration of Moslems of the Caucasus Sheikh Allakhshukyur Pasha-zade departed for Rome by the invitation of Pope John Paul II. Bishop Aleksandr of Baku and the Caspian Region and head of the community of Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan Boris Ikhiilov will accompany the sheikh in his trip. The religious figures are to meet with Pope John Paul II on November 18.
Many analysts see a connection between the visit and continuation of Pasha-zade's mediation mission aimed at improving relations between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches. The sheikh received such a proposal from head of the Russian Orthodox church Alexis II, who approved the visit of his representative to Vatican.
Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent Source: Caucasian Knot