Hawzah News Agency- In response to Ayatollah Alireza Arafi Head of Iran’s Seminary, Cardinal Orani João Tempesta, Archbishop of Sao Sebastian in Rio de Janeiro, sympathized with Muslims and called for an end to violence, especially against children, around the world.

This message reads:

Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, Director of Qom Seminary, Islamic Republic of Iran

Your Excellency,

Thank you for your Christmas message and best wishes for the new year that has begun.

In this letter I am writing to you in return for your kindness, I would also like to sympathize with our Muslim brothers for the great suffering they are going through. The Catholic Church, through the constant protests of Pope Francis, has taken a stand against this matter and the other wars that are destroying the world in this century and condemning its tragic consequences for many innocent people, especially children.

We are united with Pope Francis in prayer for all who suffer, and we’re always open to dialogue with benevolent people, who strive for the common good, especially those with whom we believe in the one and true God.

I wish for His Excellency Sheikh Rezaei and the Shia Muslim community of Rio de Janeiro that God's blessings will bring peace to our troubled world in 2024.

Let's continue to plant the seeds of brotherhood.

With respect and gratitude,

Orani João Tempesta, Archbishop of the Metropolitan City of São Sebastián in Rio de Janeiro