Aftermath of Israeli
strikes in Tehran
Tehran Cardinal urges dialogue amid escalation between
Iran and Israel
As tensions rise between Iran and Israel, Cardinal Dominique
Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins, issues an appeal
for peace and dialogue, cautioning against the continued use of pre-emptive
military action.
By Vatican News
Speaking to AsiaNews, Cardinal Dominique Joseph
Mathieu expressed his sorrow over the recent surge in violence, which saw
Israeli strikes on Iranian targets followed by a retaliatory drone attack from
Tehran. “It is with regret that we observe in these last few hours, once again,
that peace is sought through preventive attacks instead of committing to
dialogue around the negotiating table,” the Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the
Latins said.
The cardinal’s appeal for dialogue comes in the wake of
Operation Rising Lion, a reported Israeli military campaign targeting nuclear
sites and prominent Iranian scientific and military leaders. Theran’s response
included the launch of over a hundred drones toward Israeli territory, as
regional tensions threaten to spiral into a broader conflict.
“We pray,” Cardinal Mathieu continued, “that peace through
dialogue based on a consensus will prevail. May the Holy Spirit guide this
process.”
Amid growing regional and international concern, Cardinal
Mathieu warned of the risk of a widespread conflict engulfing the Middle East.
“The much-feared escalation,” he noted, “seems to be materialising.”
His comments come as talks between the United States and
Iran in Oman on a possible nuclear agreement show signs of stalling, with
Tehran announcing it will not attend the sixth round of negotiations.
The Archbishop, appointed by Pope Francis and elevated to
the College of Cardinals, has previously described the identity of the
Christian community in Iran as one marked by “the cross and hope.” He described
a “strong bond” with Pope Francis and renewed confidence in his successor, Pope
Leo XIV.
“We are full of hope,” the cardinal said, referring to the
ongoing Jubilee Year. Although the Latin community in Iran remains small,
numbering around 22,000 Catholics within a population of over 84 million, it is
diverse and active, alongside Chaldean, Armenian, and other Christian
traditions.
Despite challenges, Cardinal Mathieu highlighted the
Church’s ongoing mission in Iran as a sign of openness and fraternity.
Recalling Pope Francis' commitment to interreligious dialogue, especially his
meeting with Shiite leaders from Qom, he described the Church’s role as one of
integration and presence “at the various levels of the nation.”
“At times,” he said, “doors may seem closed, but there are
still people who remain connected, who pray even in front of those doors.” In
such moments, he added, “Many things cannot be resolved except through prayer.”
Concluding, Cardinal Mathieu reiterated the need for
the Church to continue building bridges across cultural and religious
boundaries.
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