Apostolic Prefecture of Baku
The Apostolic Prefecture of Baku is a Roman Catholic Apostolic Prefecture (missionary jurisdiction) in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
It is exempt, i.e. directly subject to the Holy See, not part of any ecclesiastical province.
It has one church and four chapels situated in Baku, including the pro-cathedral episcopal see Church of the Immaculate Conception. The juristical status is ensured by the local law of the Azerbaijan Republic and is having a special status thanks to the Concordat signed by the pope st. John Paul II and former prezident Heydar Aliyev.
History
It was established on 11 October 2000 as Mission sui iuris of Baku, on territory split from the Apostolic Administration of the Caucasus.
In May 2002 it enjoyed a papal visit by John Paul II.
On 4 Augusts 2011, it was promoted as Apostolic Prefecture of Baku.
Incumbents
So far, there are three Monastic Orders: Salesians of Don Bosco (S.D.B.), Missionaries of Charity (C.M) (also known as Sisters of Mother Theresa) and Salesian Sisters (F.M.A.). There is no diocesan priest and only seven of the Salesian community are Catholic priests.
- Friar Jozef Daniel Pravda, S.D.B. (2000.10.11 – 2003.07.18)
- Friar Ján Čapla, S.D.B. (2003.07.18 – 2009.11.05)
- Friar Vladimir Fekete, S.D.B. (2009.11.05 – 2011.08.04 - see below)
- Apostolic Prefects of Baku
- Friar Vladimir Fekete, S.D.B. (see above; 2011.08.04 – ...)