Pope Francis defied Western silence on Gaza, but Vatican complicity endures

The last time Pope Francis called the Palestinians of Gaza and gave them his blessings was two days before he passed away on 21 April. His funeral was held on Saturday in St Peter's Basilica, drawing mourners from around the world.

By Victor Gaetan

The Pope’s foreign policy

How Francis extended and transformed the Vatican’s global reach

After Pope Francis’s death, on April 21, much of the world’s attention has focused on his personality: his humility, his humor, his hands-on management style. All that goes to the grave. The Argentine pope’s contributions to Vatican diplomacy, meanwhile, will be a lasting legacy. Francis charted a diplomatic course independent of Western capitals, elevated Catholic leaders in countries that had never been part of the church’s governance, and honed a diplomatic method that is both pragmatic and aspirational.

Persian carpets used in Pope's funeral

TEHRAN--The use of Persian carpets in papal funeral proceedings may seem like a surprising choice—that is, to those unaware of the long history of carpets from the Islamic world in Christian contexts.

Culture Minister attends Pope Francis’ funeral

TEHRAN-The Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Abbas Salehi participated in the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Saturday, appearing alongside global dignitaries.

Criticism and celebration in Israel after death of Pope Francis

The Vatican's announcement of Pope Francis' death on Monday morning was met with a mix of celebration and criticism in Israel, where politicians, pundits, and social media users focused on the pontiff's condemnation of Israel amid its war on the Gaza Strip, Middle East Eye reported on Monday.

Iran’s top officials hail Pope Francis as voice for global peace in posthumous tribute

TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paid tribute to the late Pope Francis in a statement on Monday, honoring the pontiff’s lifelong dedication to advancing the teachings of Jesus Christ and his steadfast advocacy for global peace.

Pope Francis dies aged 88

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis died at the age of 88.

President Pezeshkian sends well wishes to hospitalized Pope Francis 

TEHRAN – President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has extended well wishes to Pope Francis, who is currently recovering from bronchitis in a Rome hospital. 

Pope calls for Gaza ceasefire to be ‘immediately respected’

Pope Francis called Sunday for a ceasefire in Gaza to be “immediately respected” as he thanked mediators and urged a boost in humanitarian aid as well as the return of hostages.

Pope calls situation in Gaza ‘very serious and shameful’

Pope Francis has stepped up his recent criticisms of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave “very serious and shameful”.

Leader tells Pope Francis Muslims and Christians should unite against Global Arrogance

TEHRAN – Pope Francis has received a beautifully crafted plaque featuring excerpts from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution's speeches about Prophet Jesus (pbuh). 

Pope condemns “cruelty” of Israeli attacks on Gaza

For the second time in as many days, Pope Francis has denounced the “cruelty” of the Israeli attacks on Gaza

Pezeshkian urges Pope’s intervention to end Israeli violence in West Asia

TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appealed to Pope Francis for intervention to halt ongoing Israeli violence in the region, which has wreaked havoc in Gaza and Lebanon and could spread to other parts of West Asia any second. 

Pope Francis calls for investigation into 'genocide' in Gaza

Pope Francis has called for an investigation into allegations by experts about “genocide” in Gaza.

Pope Francis urges ceasefire in Gaza

Pope Francis called Sunday for humanitarian aid to urgently reach Palestinians in Gaza and for Israel and Hamas to immediately accept proposals for a ceasefire and release of captives.

Pope calls for ceasefire in Gaza during a blustery Easter Sunday Mass

In his Easter blessing, Pope Francis made a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.

Pope Francis criticized for ‘white flag’ comment

Ukrainian and allied officials have criticized Pope Francis for saying that Kyiv should have the “courage” to negotiate an end to the war with Russia, a statement many interpreted as a call on Ukraine to surrender.

Pope expresses deep sadness over deaths of people in Kerman terrorist attack

TEHRAN- Pope Francis has sent his condolences and conveyed his “heartfelt sorrow” at the death of several dozen persons in terrorist attacks in Kerman, southeast Iran.

Raisi sends message to Pope urging immediate intl. action in response to Gaza tragedy

TEHRAN- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has slammed the Israeli regime’s attack on Gaza as a huge threat to human civilization and asked for immediate action by the international community to halt the slaughter of Palestinians.

Israel committing ‘biggest genocide’ of 21st century, Raisi tells Pope Francis

TEHRAN- Iran’s president has strongly condemned the massacre of Palestinian women and children by the Israeli regime in its brutal attack on the besieged Gaza Strip, describing it as “the biggest genocide of the century.”

I hope I can go to Tehran soon: IAEA’s Grossi

TEHRAN – Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has expressed hope to visit Iran soon.

Swiss banker calls on Pope to intervene for peace in Ukraine

Mankind’s efforts to settle the horrific war in Ukraine have failed thus far to bring peace. Here is my appeal to Pope Francis to intervene and turn the tide. This is my open letter to His Holiness.