Speaking in a meeting with the new Vatican ambassador to Iran on Tuesday, November 5, Hojat-ol-Islam Hassan Rouhani added that moving away from spirituality and God by part of the society is also a problem for the two religions, the presidential office reported.
He said the need for dialogue between Islam and Christianity is more urgent than ever, adding “we need to have a deeper knowledge of one another’s beliefs and culture.”
The president underlined that many of the distances and disputes between followers of the two religions lie in ignorance about one another’s culture.
He further said that there is close and brotherly relations between Iran’s Christian society and the country’s Muslims.
Hojat-ol-Islam Rouhani went on to say that Iran is willing to develop cultural, religious and political ties with the Vatican, hoping that during the mission of the new ambassador the two countries’ relations will grow more than before.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the president referred to the current situation in countries like Iraq and Syria and said when such problems arise in these countries, followers of all faith suffer.
The Vatican representative for his part delivered the warm greetings of the Pope to the Iranian government and nation and said Pope Francis believes the door of dialogue should always remain open for countries to cooperate based on mutual respect.
Leo Boccardi also praised the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in international affairs including peace and regional stability and fighting terrorism and extremism.
1311415