WANA (Apr 25) – Dr. Seyyed Abbas Salehi, Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, has departed for Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, representing President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.

 

In a message of condolence following the Pope’s death, President Pezeshkian extended sympathies to the global Christian community and followers of the Catholic Church, praising Pope Francis’s lasting efforts to promote peace, justice, interfaith dialogue, and coexistence.

 

The Iranian president also commended the late pontiff’s humanitarian stances—especially his firm condemnation of Israeli atrocities in Gaza—emphasizing that his memory would remain in the hearts of awakened consciences and freedom-seekers across the world.

 

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.”