Iranian Cleric Commends Pope’s Anti-War Stances

IQNA – In a new letter to Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Islamic Studies Department at the Iranian Academy of Sciences thanked him for his righteous stance in rejecting violence.

In the letter, Ayatollah Seyed Mostafa Mohaqeq Damad praised the pope’s courageous stand against the drummers of war, and considered it to be an indication of the conflict between “authentic spirituality” and dirty politics.

“Following my letter dated March 20, 2026 to you, regarding the aggressive attacks on Iran, and expressing gratitude for your kindness, I felt it necessary to express my gratitude once again for your right-seeking stance in rejecting violence. Your courageous stand against the drummers of war has once again revealed the contradiction between authentic spirituality and tainted politics.” Ayatollah Mohaqeq Damad wrote.

“At this critical moment, hearing the voices of your esteemed subordinates, especially the clear words of His Excellency Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Bishop of the United States Army, and Cardinal Robert McElroy, has given hope to peace seekers. The fact that senior Catholic authorities, relying on moral principles and the “Just War Theory,” have courageously emphasized the illegitimacy of these imposed wars is a sign of the vitality of morality within the body of the Church. Please convey my sincere gratitude to them.”

The Iranian scholar went on to say, “It is very worrying and regrettable that we are witnessing unjust fronts by aggressor governments that have ignited the fire of war against Iran in clear violation of international norms. These attacks have not only led to the widespread destruction of the homes of peace-seekers and the destruction of ancient monuments and cultural heritage - which are the identity cards of human civilization - but have also targeted scientific centers and caused the bloodshed of thousands of innocent people, especially innocent school children.

“History and the awakened conscience of humanity will never forget that the oppressors, in order to cover up these stains of shame, have resorted to desecrating divine figures and insulting the heralds of justice. But these very atrocities are a testament to the effectiveness of the words of that exalted authority, which inspire billions of people who dream of a world free from discrimination and violence.

“In the theology of monotheistic religions, peace is the fruit of the tree of purity and piety. I, who have had the privilege of dialogue with prominent figures of the Abrahamic religions for more than three decades and have been in contact with the Vatican since the time of His Holiness John Paul II, remember speaking at the Synod on Peace at the invitation of His Holiness Benedict XVI, and later, in the presence of His Holiness Francis, emphasizing the protection of the environment.

“Although I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting His Holiness (Pope Leo), as a Shia cleric, I consider the repeated stances of you and your high-ranking companions in denying bloodshed to be a turning point in contemporary history. The truth of your words will never be clouded by the clamor of those whose names evoke the decline of morality.”

In conclusion, Ayatollah Mohaqeq Damad prayed for “your steadfastness and increasing success and that of all the peace-loving cardinals and bishops in their service to humanity.”

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