AhlulBayt News Agency: Iran’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, recently met with Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City.
During their meeting, Mokhtari extended his formal congratulations to the Pope on his election as the 267th head of the Catholic Church. He expressed hope that the Vatican’s new leadership would foster expanded cultural, religious, and diplomatic collaboration between Iran and Vatican City.
Highlighting the shared values and mutual interests of both sides, Mokhtari emphasized that strengthening international cooperation could significantly contribute to global peace, justice, and coexistence.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected on May 8 after two days of deliberation and voting among the College of Cardinals. At 69, he has made history as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
Prior to his election, Prevost dedicated many years to service in Latin America, spending a decade in Trujillo, Peru, and later serving as the bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023.
His predecessor, Pope Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio—passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. His death followed a recent recovery from pneumonia, marking the end of a transformative papacy that left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church.
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