VATICAN - Half a century of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Iran celebrated at the Gregorian University in Rome

Friday, 13 February 2004

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Vatican City (Fides Service) - The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Islamic Republic of Iran was celebrated on 12 February in Rome with a Seminar “Iran and the Holy See: past, present and future” at the Gregorian University in the presence of Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Holy See Representative for Relations with States and Dr Kamal Kharrazi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Archbishop Lajolo read a message for the occasion from Pope John Paul II in which the Holy Father recalls the bonds between Iran and the Holy See and the necessity for international cooperation to solve the problem of terrorism and proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Holy Father said that the Holy See appreciates and encourages Iran’s efforts in these fields. Addressing the Seminar, Archbishop Lajolo underlined that the “enormous resources used to produce new weapons are an obstacle to helping people in need and to the development of poor countries. The urge to arm at all costs gives rise to conflict and increases the risk of spreading conflict,” he said, adding “the Holy See looks with hope and satisfaction at the cooperation which Iran in the name of peace offers in this field to the United Nations ”.
“This commemorative meeting is an opportunity to reflect on cultural exchange between the Holy See and Iran a country rich in ancient culture and to exchange views on themes of international political situation, particularly the question of peace in the Middle East” Archbishop Lajolo said and he added that in the ambit of the meeting of diplomats of the Holy See and Iran it had been possible to “take a look at the problems of the Catholic community in Iran which is very small, seeing that Catholics are only 10,000 among a population of 80 million; this little community requires special attention and protection by the Holy See”.
Archbishop Lajolo recalled that for the Holy See the right to religious freedom is the basis of all human rights. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/2/2004, righe 31 parole 397)