Masoud Pezeshkian. Photo: AFP
Iranian President Massoud Peseshkian has called on Pope Francis to use his authority to influence Christian governments to stop the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. This was reported on Wednesday by the semi-official Iranian news agency Fars, quoting a statement conveyed through the Iranian delegation during the interreligious dialogue in the Vatican, Reuters reports.
“Encourage world leaders, especially Christian governments, to prevent the continuation of aggression by the criminal Israeli regime,” Peseshkian said in his message to Pope Francis, according to Fars. The message was delivered by the Iranian delegation that took part in the event at the Vatican.
Diplomatic relations between Tehran and the Vatican
Iran and the Vatican have maintained official diplomatic relations since 1954. In 2022, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sent a letter to Pope Francis in which he praised his position on strengthening dialogue between Islam and Christianity.
President Pesekian also noted that Tehran is ready for a constructive dialogue with the Vatican to promote peace and justice in the world.
Earlier, Pope Francis made one of the sharpest statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, suggesting that Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip could be regarded as genocide against the Palestinians. This statement was the harshest criticism from the Vatican in more than a year of Israel’s war with Hamas.
Israel has rejected accusations of genocide, stressing that its military operations are directed exclusively against Hamas and other armed groups supported by Iran.
This diplomatic gesture by Iran underscores Tehran’s desire to engage the Vatican as a mediator in global efforts to end violence in the Middle East. At the same time, the message increases tensions in the region, where the confrontation between Israel and the Palestinians threatens stability every day.
The position of Pope Francis, who has traditionally advocated de-escalation of conflicts, is gaining in importance as he is expected to balance his humanitarian mission with political neutrality.
