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In a formal letter to Pope Leo XIV, Hujjat al-Islam Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Vatican, called on the Pontiff to take a firm stance against recent threats and insults directed at Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei.
In a formal letter to Pope Leo XIV, Hujjat al-Islam Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Vatican, called on the pontiff to take a firm stance against recent threats and insults directed at Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. The ambassador described the remarks, attributed to the President of the United States and Israeli officials, as an affront not only to Shiite Muslims but to the entire Islamic world.
In the letter, Ambassador Mokhtari condemned what he called a “blatant insult” to a prominent religious figure, warning that such rhetoric threatens interfaith harmony and undermines the principles of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
“This action, while politically and legally unacceptable under international norms, also carries bitter and dangerous religious implications,” Mokhtari wrote.
He cited admissions by Israeli officials regarding alleged assassination attempts and direct threats from the U.S. President as clear violations of both international law and religious ethics.
Referring to the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by the late Pope Francis in 2019, Mokhtari stressed that the recent actions by Western leaders stand in stark contrast to its principles, particularly those promoting interreligious dialogue and unity.
“Such behavior disrupts all efforts aimed at fostering unity and brotherhood among religions,” he warned. “It is also in direct conflict with the Christian scripture, which instructs: ‘You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people’ (Exodus 22:28).”
The ambassador reminded the Pope that in Christian tradition, respect for religious figures—even in cases of disagreement—is a moral imperative, rooted in justice, humility, and divine order.
Quoting the Pope’s own recent remarks on religious tolerance and brotherhood, Mokhtari emphasized that “building bridges of communication with mutual respect and freedom of conscience” must include protecting the dignity of all faith leaders.
“We expect Your Excellency to take a clear and firm position against this wave of disrespect,” the letter concluded, “as it constitutes an injury to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide, not only Shiites.”
This call for action comes amid growing condemnation across the Islamic world following inflammatory statements from Western political figures. Religious leaders and diplomats from several countries have denounced the rhetoric as provocative and harmful to international religious harmony.
Source:hawzahnews
