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

A guard of honor was arranged for the Pontiff in the square decorated with the flags of Azerbaijan and the Holy See.

The chief of the guard of honor reported to President Ilham Aliyev.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev greeted Pope Francis.

The chief of the guard of honor reported to the Pontiff.

The anthems of Azerbaijan and the Holy See were played.

President Ilham Aliyev and Pope Francis reviewed the guard of honor.

Pope Francis saluted the Azerbaijani soldiers.

State and government officials of Azerbaijan were introduced to Pope Francis, and members of the Holy See delegation were introduced to President Ilham Aliyev.

The guard of honor marched in front of President Ilham Aliyev and Pope Francis to the accompaniment of a military march.

President Ilham Aliyev and Pope Francis posed together for photographs.

AZERTAC