Envoy Meets New Pope: A Historic Encounter at the Vatican
In a significant diplomatic encounter, Iran’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, recently met with Pope Leo XIV, marking a hopeful chapter for Iran-Vatican relations. This meeting underscores the potential for enhanced cultural, religious, and diplomatic cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Vatican City State.
During this important meeting, Mokhtari extended his congratulations to the newly elected Pope, who is the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. The ambassador expressed optimism that the Vatican’s new leadership would pave the way for fruitful collaborations. He stated that:
- International cooperation can significantly contribute to strengthening peace.
- There exists a mutual potential for enhancing justice and coexistence.
On May 8, Cardinal Prevost was elected as the successor to the late Pope Francis after two days of discussions and voting among the cardinals. The new pope, named Leo XIV, is:
- 69 years old
- Originally from Chicago, Illinois
- The first American to lead the Catholic Church
Prior to his papacy, Cardinal Prevost dedicated many years to service in Latin America, spending a decade in Trujillo, Peru. Most recently, he served as the bishop in Chiclayo from 2014 until 2023.
It is important to note that Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known as Pope Francis, passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from a stroke, following a recent recovery from pneumonia.
This meeting between Mokhtari and Pope Leo XIV represents a hopeful opportunity for the future of Iran-Vatican diplomatic relations, with potential benefits for both parties in their quest for peace and collaboration.
