AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Coinciding with the beginning of the New Year, Hojat al-Islam Sayed Abolhasan Navvab, member of the Supreme Council of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly and founder of the University of Religions and Denominations, met and conversed with Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s Catholics.
In this meeting, while congratulating the New Year and wishing a year full of success and free from war and bloodshed for all freedom-seekers in the world, Hojat al-Islam Sayed Abolhasan Navvab said, “Today, all freedom-seekers in the world are distressed by the war, bloodshed, and ruthless killing of the oppressed people of Gaza, and I hope the New Year brings peace and tranquility.”
Conveying the greetings of Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s Catholics, Navvab stated, “The government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran are always ready to help expand peace and justice in the world and warmly shake the hands of all those who take steps in this direction.”
Appreciating the courageous positions of the leader of the world’s Catholics in defending the oppressed people of Palestine, Navvab said, “Religious leaders have proven that they have always stood by the people and have been the vocal advocates of human suffering. The wise positions of His Holiness Pope Francis in supporting the oppressed and defenseless people of Palestine are commendable.”
“Authentic religious teachings and our great figures have taught us to strive for sincere service and, in defending the oppressed, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, or sect, not remain silent and, by standing against the oppressor, be supporters of the oppressed,” added the founder of the University of Religions and Denominations.”
“We have no problem with Jews; our problem is with murderers,” said Hojat al-Islam Sayed Abolhasan Navvab. “Any fair-minded person, when witnessing oppression, feels pain in their heart, and it makes no difference whether this person is a Syrian Christian or a Palestinian Muslim, white or black, man or woman. What matters is hearing the voice of humanity and justice.”
Proposing holding a global peace conference with leaders of religions and denominations, he said, “The world is thirsty for justice, and we must all strive to practically expand peace, peaceful coexistence, and affection among people. I hope we take steps in this direction by holding a global peace conference.”
Further in this meeting, Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s Catholics, welcomed the Iranian delegation and appreciated the scientific and practical efforts of Hojat al-Islam Sayed Abolhasan Navvab and the University of Religions and Denominations in expanding peace and spirituality. “All human beings are worthy of respect and possess rights, and no one should violate human rights or impede their freedom,” Pontiff added.
Pope Francis stated, “God created humans free; but today, there are those who want to enslave humanity in pursuit of their own goals.”
“Problems have arisen in the relations between the Vatican and Israel,” said the leader of the world’s Catholics. “We also have no problem with Jews; our only issue is with Benjamin Netanyahu, who, disregarding international laws and human rights, has created crises in the region and the world. International communities must promptly find a solution to this matter.”
Accepting the proposal to hold a global peace conference with the presence of leaders of religions and denominations, Pope Francis emphasized, “I am always ready to strive for peace and friendship in the world, and I welcome the holding of a global peace conference. I am very grateful for your proposal and initiative.”
In conclusion, addressing Hojat al-Islam Sayed Abolhasan Navvab, the leader of the world’s Catholics stated, “I am aware of your activities at the University of Religions and Denominations. The Vatican and my office are your home, and whenever you come to your home, I will welcome you.”
It is worth mentioning that in this meeting, Hojat
al-Islam Dr. Mohammad Hussain Mokhtari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of
Iran to the Vatican, and Hojat al-Islam Abdul Karim Paz, Friday prayer leader
of the Shiite community in Argentina, were also present. At the end of this
meeting, Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s Catholics, presented valuable
gifts to the Iranian delegation as a memento.
**************
End/ 345
