Anebi
As hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins, has issued a call for restraint and renewed dialogue, warning against the increasing reliance on pre-emptive military action.
Cardinal Mathieu, in a statement shared with AsiaNews, expressed deep concern over the recent wave of violence, which has included Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, and Iran’s retaliatory drone attacks.
“It is with regret that we observe in these last few hours, once again, that peace is sought through preventive attacks instead of committing to dialogue around the negotiating table,” the cardinal said.
The Cardinal’s appeal comes in the aftermath of Operation Rising Lion, an Israeli military campaign that targeted senior Iranian military leaders and nuclear infrastructure.
Iran responded with a barrage of over 100 drones targeting Israeli territory, deepening fears of a broader regional conflict.
“We pray that peace through dialogue based on a consensus will prevail. May the Holy Spirit guide this process,” Cardinal Mathieu added.
The Archbishop also voiced concern over the stalled nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to take place in Oman. Tehran recently announced it would not participate in the sixth round of negotiations.
Mathieu, who was appointed by Pope Francis and elevated to the College of Cardinals, has long advocated for peace and interfaith cooperation.
Despite Iran’s Christian community making up a small fraction of the population, around 22,000 Catholics within a nation of more than 84 million, he pointed out their enduring presence and mission.
“The Church remains a sign of openness and fraternity,” he said, recalling Pope Francis’ efforts to promote interreligious dialogue, including meetings with Shiite leaders in Qom.
“At times, doors may seem closed, but there are still people who remain connected, who pray even in front of those doors,” the Cardinal noted, stating the spiritual dimension of peacebuilding.
Cardinal Mathieu concluded by urging continued efforts to build bridges across religious and cultural divides, stating that “many things cannot be resolved except through prayer.”
Tehran cardinal calls for dialogue as Iran-Israel tensions escalate
