Tehran University Scholar Writes Letter to Pope on Peace, Responsibility of Religions
Abbas Yazdani, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies of the University of Tehran, in his letter to Pope Leo XIV, referred to recent global developments and appreciated the pope’s positions in supporting world peace and defending the oppressed.
Yazdani’s letter to Pope Leo is as follows:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
His Excellency Pope Leo XIV, Leader of the Catholic Church
With utmost respect and humility, I present this letter to you. I begin by praying for your health and long life, as well as for your wise and inspiring leadership in guiding the global community. I ask God Almighty to bless you. As you are aware, in March 2026, in the midst of peace talks, the United States and Israel attacked Iran yet again in clear violation of international law, especially Chapter VII of the UN Charter, and also contrary to the US Constitution, while Article 2 of the UN Charter prohibits interference in the internal affairs of states.
Article 24 of the UN Charter also states: “In order to ensure prompt and effective action by the United Nations, its Members entrust the Security Council with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.” The Security Council is the highest organ of the UN, whose most fundamental duty is to prevent war and maintain international peace and security. The use of force in relations between states is permitted under international law only in two cases: first, in self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and second, if authorized by the UN Security Council, as defined under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Obviously, the aggression of the United States and Israel is not an example of either of these two cases.
Today, it is no secret to anyone that the UN Security Council, as the most important decision-making body and guardian of world peace, has lost its effectiveness due to the influence of arrogant powers and the discriminatory veto rights of some powers, and is serving arrogant powers and cannot play an effective role in creating world peace.
The US president lied to his people about the war against Iran, telling them that Iran’s nuclear capability is a threat to US security, while after the US attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in June 2025, Trump had announced that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been completely destroyed. If they had completely destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities, then why did they attack Iran again 8 months later under the pretext of nuclear activity?
On the first day of the war against Iran, the US, contrary to all international standards and contrary to all moral standards, carried out a massive terrorist attack on Iran, killing many defenseless people, children, military commanders, state officials, especially the Supreme Leader of Iran. The Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab was also attacked, killing 168 innocent primary school girls, most of whom were under the age of 10.
As you are aware, any attack on obvious civilian infrastructure such as electrical and industrial facilities, universities, cultural and sports buildings, hospitals, medical centers, and residential areas is prohibited under UN international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) and the First Additional Protocol (1977) prohibit countries from targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
It is shameful that the criminal America and the usurper Israel carry out a brutal attack on an educational and research center, contrary to international rules and regulations and humanitarian law, which is condemned by every free-thinking person. Today, the international community also denounces and condemns the illegal and cruel war of the United States and Israel.
Therefore, the thoughts of the international community are against the warmongering of Trump and Netanyahu. Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, killing more than 72,000 people and displacing more than a million Lebanese.
Aggressive and premeditated attacks are immoral according to the principles of the Muslim holy book, the Quran, and defense against them is not only recognized by Muslims according to numerous verses of the Quran, but it is also the duty of every human being to defend themselves against an unjust attack.
Islam does not encourage war, but it praises defense against aggression. The teachings of Islam invite people to a peaceful life based on belief in God, justice, and purity. Therefore, peace in Islam is a primary and eternal law. God calls people to peace in the Quran: “God invites every one to the House of Peace and guides whomever He wants to the right path.” (Quran, 10:25).
God commands us to enter into a culture of peace and avoid violence, which is the devilish approach: “Believers, all of you, enter the peace and do not follow in satan's footsteps; he is a clear enemy to you.” (Quran, 2:208). Even the nature of war in Islam is defensive, not offensive, because the principle in Islam is peace and peaceful coexistence, not conflict, violence and war.
In numerous verses of the Quran, God has only permitted Muslims to fight in cases of defense. God says in the Quran: “Permission is given to those who fight because they were wronged. Allah has power to grant them victory:” (Quran, 22:39).
In other divine religions, the principle is peace and peaceful coexistence, because the truth of all religions is one and there is no inherent difference in divine religions. Followers of divine religions should respect and follow the truth that lies behind all religions, which is submission to God Almighty, and make it the cornerstone of their actions.
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Your Eminence, as the highest authority of Catholic Christians, with all courage and following the Prophet Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), who was the messenger of peace, mercy and defense of the oppressed, you denounced and condemned the illegal and cruel war waged by America and Israel. This commendable action of yours has been praised and appreciated by the minds of the international community. On behalf of the faculty members of the Faculty of Theology, University of Tehran, I consider it my duty to condemn the insulting statements of US President (Donald) Trump towards that high authority, and to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for Your Excellency’s courageous and humanitarian stances in defending world peace and supporting the oppressed throughout the world. Undoubtedly, the mission of all divine religions is to establish peace, justice in societies, and to promote morality, love, compassion, and peaceful living among all people. You have fulfilled your social and spiritual mission in the best possible way and have taken a very effective step in bringing the followers of different divine religions closer together; something that the Iranian nation will never forget.
It is hoped that Your Excellency’s humanitarian teachings and peace-loving messages will always be the guiding light for humanity in achieving a more just and peaceful world. I pray to God Almighty for Your Excellency’s continued success and eternal health.
With deepest respect
Abbas Yazdani
Dean of the Faculty of Theology, University of Tehran
April 19, 2026
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