Hawzah News Agency (Qom, Iran) – The text of Ayatollah Alireza Arafi’s congratulatory message to Pope Francis is as follows:

To his eminence Pope Francis

Leader of Catholic World

I’m honored to congratulate your eminence, citizens of Vatican State, all followers of monotheistic religions including Christianity as well as Iranian Christians on the auspicious birth anniversary of Prophet Jesus Christ (AS) which marks the beginning of New Year ‘2018’, Ayatollah Arafi said in his message.

I take this opportunity to warmly shake your eminence’s hand for your humanitarian stances regarding the Muslim community and world peace; I express my gratitude on behalf of two great Shia scientific centers, Iranian seminaries and al-Mustafa International University which is headquartered in Qom, Iran. I also appreciate your enthusiasm to promote interfaith dialogue among world’s religions, the message read.

I would like to stress the role of religion, spirituality and wisdom in solving present global issues and their critical position in paving the way for administering peace and justice for all mankind, therefore, I express readiness on the part of these two great Iranian Shia centers in order to engage in scientific interfaith cooperation with Vatican. I hope that there will be a chance for me to meet with your Excellency in person in 2018 in order to further discuss present issues in detail.

I pray to Allah almighty for your health and demand ever-growing prosperity for all Christians worldwide to promote the teachings of divine prophets. I wish all mankind a year filled with peace and friendship, the message concluded.

Alireza Arafi, Head of Iranian Seminaries