WANA (Dec 25) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has congratulated Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the world’s Catholics, on the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the Gregorian New Year 2026.

 

In his message, Pezeshkian said that at a time when crimes by superpowers, driven by their unchecked power, are pushing the international community toward war and destruction, resolving global challenges requires collective wisdom, fresh perspectives, and reflection.

 

He stressed that through effective action by independent statesmen and thinkers, free from the influence of power and wealth, a new path can be forged toward peace, security, and freedom for oppressed nations.

 

Congratulating the Pope, Pezeshkian described the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) as a reminder of values such as freedom, resistance to oppression, and compassion—virtues also praised in the Holy Quran. He expressed hope that adherence to divine teachings would lead to the realization of justice, peace, and freedom worldwide.

 

The Iranian president wished Pope Leo XIV good health and success, prosperity for the followers of Christ, and lasting peace and tranquility across the globe.

 

In a separate message, Pezeshkian also congratulated the leaders and people of countries celebrating Christmas and the New Year, saying that humanity’s long-standing ideal is the establishment of peace and the promotion of ethics in all societies.

 

He noted that the spiritual and divine attributes of God are embodied in Jesus Christ and expressed hope that, through joint efforts, peaceful coexistence, and justice-based action, global peace and calm can be achieved in the year ahead.

Iranian women shop in a store selling Christmas symbols in Tehran, Iran, December 24, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)