Hawzah News Agency- In a world increasingly marred by conflict and moral ambiguity, a prominent source of Shia jurisprudence has underscored the vital importance of interfaith solidarity. Grand Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamadani, in a meeting with Hojatoleslam Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Vatican, stated that the contemporary world is in dire need of "honest dialogue" among religions and cultures.
"The strengthening of ties between the followers of different religions and the utilization of shared capacities is incredibly effective and valuable in creating and reinforcing the spirit of spirituality in religious societies, especially among the young generation of the world," His Eminence asserted. He highlighted that such dialogue is no longer a mere option but a necessity for navigating the complexities of the modern era.
Condemnation of Insult to Leader
The revered cleric also used the opportunity to address a recent provocative act by a European Parliament member who insulted the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Ayatollah Nouri Hamadani characterized the act not as a simple offence, but as a fundamental breach of international norms and ethics.
"Insulting the religious leader of millions of people is not merely an attack on an individual or even a religious institution; this action is, in reality, a form of ethical deconstruction in the public sphere," he stated firmly. He elaborated that in such a toxic environment, language—which should serve as a tool for dialogue and understanding—is weaponized for destruction. "Words, which should be a bridge between hearts, turn into walls."
Ayatollah Nouri Hamadani warned of the dangerous consequences of such behavior, stating it transforms society from "empathetic diversity into hostile multiplicity." He stressed that an insult, originating from an individual, can quickly escalate into a social and even civilizational crisis. "Therefore, defending the sanctity of religious leaders is not merely a defense of a specific creed, but a defense of the principle of peaceful coexistence itself."
He concluded that safeguarding respect is "not a sign of weakness, but a marker of the cultural and moral maturity of a nation," adding that no political or economic power can replace the capital of human dignity and respect.
Ambassador Highlights Interfaith Efforts in Vatican
During the meeting, Ambassador Mokhtari provided a detailed report on the activities of the Iranian embassy in the Vatican, emphasizing the shared objectives between Islam and Christianity. He noted that several successful meetings have been held with religious scholars from both Iran and the Vatican, centered on the common capacities of the two faiths. He called for greater involvement from seminaries and universities to enhance these inter-religious relations.
The ambassador also highlighted a significant initiative during the recent Ten-Day Fajr ceremonies, which mark the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory. For the first time, three Christian representatives of the Iranian Parliament traveled to the Vatican. They participated in the victory anniversary celebrations, which were attended by ambassadors from various countries accredited to the Holy See.
The Christian lawmakers held meetings with Vatican officials and took part in a press conference with prominent Italian and Vatican news agencies. During these interactions, they presented a clear picture of the realities inside Iran, directly challenging the "false news and reports by the enemies of the system." They specifically emphasized the existence of various freedoms in Iran, including freedom for recognized religious minorities, demonstrating the country's commitment to peaceful coexistence from an Islamic perspective.
Ambassador Mokhtari echoed Ayatollah Nouri Hamadani's condemnation of the insult to the Leader, stating, "If politicians truly consider themselves representatives of civility, the first sign of their civilization must be decency. Respect for the religious leaders of others is not a favor, but a moral duty and a prerequisite for global coexistence."
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