VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2004 (VIS) - This morning
the Holy Father received the new ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
Mohammad Javad Faridzade, as he presented his Letters of Credence to the Holy
See.
The Holy Father, in his speech in French, referred to Iran's concern about
"the deterioration of the international situation and the threats that
weigh on humanity on different levels." In order to establish a balanced
international order, he said, it is necessary that States "take advantage
of recognized, stable and effective instruments, like the United Nations and
other international organizations. This action to promote peace also implies
brave action against terrorism . in order to build a world in which everyone can
be recognized as children of the same Merciful and Omnipotent God."
"The Holy See," he continued, "will spare no effort to
convince the leaders of States to always renounce violence and force and to make
sure that negotiation always prevails as a means of overcoming disagreements and
conflicts that emerge among nations, groups and individuals."
John Paul II, echoing the words of the ambassador, reaffirmed the duty of
believers to announce "the fundamental values expressed in religion which
guarantee, through natural law, a sign of the imprint of God in man, the dignity
of all persons, and which regulate the relations among men. As I have recalled
many times," he added, "Catholic faithful . bear witness in favor of a
culture of life that respects man from his conception to his natural death, and
that guarantees the defense of his rights and basic duties. Among these
fundamental rights, the right to religious freedom is in the forefront."
"The Holy See," he emphasized, "counts on the help of the
Iranian authorities in order to allow the faithful of the Catholic Church
present in Iran, as well as other Christians, the freedom to profess their
religion and to promote the recognition of the juridical personality of
ecclesiastic institutions. . Freedom to worship is an aspect of religious
freedom which must be the same for all citizens of a country."
The Pope concluded by highlighting the need for everyone in Iran "to
freely express their religious convictions, to gather with their brothers and
sisters to worship God, as well as ensuring, through catechesis, the
transmission of religious teaching to children and further study for young
people and adults, while respecting the laws of the country."