First VP Mehriban Aliyeva awarded highest Papal Order of Knighthood in Vatican

By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has been awarded the highest Papal Order of Knighthood-Order of Pope Pius IX (Dama di Gran Croce dell’ordine Piano) in the Vatican.

Mehriban Aliyeva received the Order in recognition of her major contributions to the culture and mutual relations with the institutions of the Holy See.

The Order was presented by the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Founded in 1847, the Order of Pope Pius IX is awarded for particular services for Church and society.

The Grand Cross is the highest rank presented to heads of state and high-ranking statesmen.

The current President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, a number of former heads of Italy, including Giorgio Napolitano, as well as crowned people-Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, King Juan Carlos I of Spain and Albert II, King of the Belgians also received the award.