The government of Azerbaijan is seeking Vatican assistance to resolve a territorial dispute with Armenia.

Last week Pope Francis met with a delegation of religious leaders from Azerbaijan, who stressed their country’s commitment to religious tolerance. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, is due to visit Azerbaijan this year.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have long been at odds over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory. The border conflict is aggravated by religious differences. Azerbaijan is predominantly Islamic; Armenia is overwhelmingly Christian, with most residents belonging to the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Nagano-Karabakh region is heavily populated by Christians of Armenian descent.