WANA (May 17) – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, will travel to the Vatican to represent the Islamic Republic at the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV.

 

The Iranian Ambassador to the Vatican, Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, announced that Salehi Amiri will soon depart for the Vatican to attend the official swearing-in of the newly elected Pope Leo.

 

He noted that the minister will also deliver a congratulatory message from Iranian President Pezeshkian to the new pontiff.

 

During his visit, Salehi Amiri is scheduled to meet with senior officials of the Catholic Church and Vatican cultural authorities to explore avenues for enhanced cultural, religious, and tourism cooperation between Iran and the Vatican.

 

Ambassador Mokhtari highlighted the significance of the visit coinciding with the Vatican’s “Jubilee Year”—a major religious event held once every 25 years that promotes pilgrimage and religious tourism.

 

He stated that this occasion presents a valuable opportunity for the two sides to sign agreements aimed at expanding collaboration in the areas of religious and cultural tourism.

 

This is not the first time Iran has taken part in a major Vatican ceremony. During the funeral of Pope Francis, Minister of Culture, Seyed Abbas Salehi, represented Iran.

 

Pope Francis, who played a key role in recent years in fostering interreligious dialogue, passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88 in the Vatican.

 

In his final public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the late pope called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian aid for those “who are hungry and yearning for a future filled with peace.”