EUROPE/AZERBAIJAN - “This tiny Catholic community in Azerbaijan is spiritually close beside the Holy Father”, says Rev. Jan Kapla, Superior of the Catholic Mission of Baku

Baku (Fides Service) - A tiny community of Catholics in Baku on the banks of the Caspian Sea, in the impervious region of the Caucuses has its heart in Rome around dying Pope John Paul II. “Yesterday evening we offered a special Mass and prayers for the Pope and his intentions. This tiny Catholic community here in Azerbaijan is spiritually close beside the Holy Father” Salesian Father Jan Kapla, Superior of the Catholic Missio sui iuris of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan told Fides. “The community has 150 local Catholics and 150 foreign residents and we have indelible memories of the Pope’s visit to us in 2002. That landmark visit will remain forever in our hearts. We love the Pope dearly” he said.(PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/4/2005 righe 18 parole 193)