Official welcoming ceremony held for Pope Francis in Baku

An official welcoming ceremony has been held for Pope Francis, who is on a pastoral visit in the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

A guard of honor was arranged for the Pontiff on the square decorated with the flags of Azerbaijan and the Holy See. President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse, First Lady Mehriban Aliyev greeted Pope Francis.

The anthems of Azerbaijan and the Holy See were played.

State and government officials of Azerbaijan were introduced to Pope Francis, and members of the Holy See delegation were introduced to President Aliyev, then the guard of honor marched in front of President Aliyev and Pope Francis to the accompaniment of a military march.