In a message sent on Friday following the selection of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Ayatollah Arafi offered his congratulations, the text of which is as follows:
His Excellency Pope Leo XIV
Supreme Leader of the World’s Catholics
With greetings and respect
I congratulate Your Excellency on your election to the high position of leadership of the Catholic Church. This serious responsibility is a great opportunity to continue valuable efforts in the fields of spirituality, social justice, family-centeredness, and proximity among divine religions and the fight against oppression and corruption in the world.
Also, on this occasion, I would like to express my condolences to you and the Christian community of the world for the loss of Pope Francis, who spent his lifetime in the service of morality, peace, and spirituality. I hope that his clear path and spiritual commitment will carry on.
The valuable commonalities between Islam and Christianity, including the emphasis on spirituality, the high position of the family, social justice, the fight against corruption and oppression, and worship of God, have always been a basis for dialogue and constructive cooperation among religions and nations. I hope that in the new era, this cooperation will be strengthened even more and will play a role as a bridge for peace, coexistence, and cultural and religious convergence in the world.
While wishing Your Excellency success and divine blessings, I hope that scientific, cultural, and spiritual interactions between the seminaries of Iran and the Vatican will continue to expand and that we will achieve valuable achievements in the path of strengthening divine and human values.
With respect and good wishes
