Hawzah News Agency- The event brought together a diverse audience of religious and political figures, highlighting the interfaith and diplomatic dimensions of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Vatican.
A notable feature of this year’s gathering, setting it apart from previous commemorations, was the presence of three Christian representatives of Iran’s Parliament. Addressing the attendees, the lawmakers spoke about the status of recognized religious minorities in Iran, rejecting what they described as misleading narratives propagated by certain Western and Israeli-affiliated media outlets. They outlined recent developments in the country and emphasized the constitutional protections afforded to religious communities.
Prior to the ceremony, the representatives held a press briefing with several international news agencies and prominent media outlets. During the session, they elaborated on the principle of religious freedom enshrined in Iran’s Constitution, underscoring the guaranteed rights of followers of Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism.
They highlighted the existence of numerous churches and places of worship across Iran, as well as state support for maintaining religious institutions, cultural centers, and community schools. The lawmakers also noted that Christian students in Iran are permitted to study and recite the Bible in educational settings in accordance with their faith, rather than the Qur’an, as part of the country’s recognition of religious diversity.
According to participants, the detailed explanations and direct engagement with the press prompted keen interest among attending journalists and diplomats, many of whom raised questions about interfaith coexistence and minority representation in Iran’s political structure.
The ceremony concluded in an atmosphere described by organizers as constructive and respectful, reflecting ongoing dialogue between Tehran and the Vatican and reaffirming the Islamic Republic’s stated commitment to religious coexistence and diplomatic engagement.
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