TEHRAN – Iranian President Masudo Pezeshkian paid tribute to the late Pope Francis in a statement Monday, celebrating the lifelong dedication of the clergy to advance the teachings of Jesus Christ and his immoral defense for peace in the world.
Pezeschkian praised the Pope’s efforts to promote “unitedness, justice and dialogue beyond religious divisions,” and emphasized his role as a bridge builder in a divided world.
The statement comes hours after Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a postoral, camerrengo, announced the death of the Pope on Monday morning after a prolonged battle with chronic lung disease.
The Pope’s health has declined sharply in recent months, leading to five weeks of hospitalization in February due to a severe respiratory crisis that has led to dual pneumonia.
His condition irreversibly worsened last month despite a brief recovery and discharge from the hospital. Pope Francis’ death arrived just a day after his heartbreaking final appearance at St. Peter’s Square at the Easter Sunday Ceremony.
In his statement, President Pezeshkian welcomed the Pope’s “clear and courageous attitude” towards the “genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza” and praised his condemnation of violence against Palestinian civilians.
“His moral clarity resonated with freedom-loving nations and was in line with the cries of conscience around the world,” declared Pezeschkian, framing the papal’s defense as the cornerstone of his humanitarian heritage.
The President further emphasized his alliance with the vision of Iranian clergy, claiming that the Iranian people are “protecting peace, pagan solidarity and justice. He concluded with the Pope’s prayer for “eternal rest in the embrace of God’s mercy.”
Cardinal’s strict announcement on the death of the Pope caused a eruption of sadness from the world’s Catholic community, paying tribute to world leaders and faith groups.
Pope Francis’ 11-year tenure was characterized by progressive attitudes on environmental management, interfaith dialogue and advocacy for the refugees and the poor. However, his final months were clouded by debates about his poor health and ability to lead.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut reiterated the public’s sentiment in a social media post, saying, “His wisdom and compassion have crossed borders and united a nation with a peace-seeking nation.
Mohammad Hossein Moktali, ambassador to Iran’s Holy See, expresses sadness to Vatican officials and Christians around the world, calling the Pope “a moral courage and tireless seeker.”
He added, “The Islamic Republic shares his commitment to justice and human dignity. It is a value that we continue to support his memory.”
Pope Francis’ death leaves a nuisance in global diplomacy, particularly amid ongoing conflicts, including the atrocities of the Israeli regime since Gaza and subsequent.
His criticism of militarism and inequality has earned praise from the global South, even if scrutinized by conservative quarters within the church.
As the Vatican prepares for the Conclave procedure to elect a successor, the clergy’s call for dialogue over the department is still yelling. However, in Iran, his legacy has already been crystallized. In Tehran’s view, he is a spiritual leader who dared to stand up to the power of truth.