Iran’s Grand Maulavi writes to Pope Leo urging condemnation of war crimes

Ali Raza Arafi

Tehran (Iran) – In the context of the ongoing war, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, recognised as the Grand Maulavi of Iran, wrote a letter to Pope Leo XIV, the supreme leader of the Catholic Church, urging him to condemn the atrocities of war.

Addressing the Pope, Arafi wrote: “As the head of Catholic Christians and a proponent of interfaith dialogue and global peace, you have always stood as a protector of the oppressed. Today, the peace-loving and religious nation of Iran is suffering grievously. The Vatican, as an independent religious and moral authority, is expected to condemn these heinous acts, which are clear examples of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and attacks on religious leaders.”