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In a surprise move, Pope Francis has awarded Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican, Dr. Mohammad Reza Moghaddam, the highest diplomatic honor of the Holy See, the Grand Order of Pius IX. The ceremony took place yesterday at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, amidst heightened tensions in the region.
According to sources close to the Vatican, the award was granted in recognition of Iran’s extraordinary contributions to peace and cooperation between Christians and Muslims. The move comes at a time when the situation in the Middle East is at a critical juncture, with the US-led coalition’s efforts to establish a ceasefire in the region on “life support”, as stated by former US President Donald Trump.
The Grand Order of Pius IX is the highest honor conferred by the Vatican upon foreign dignitaries for their exemplary service, dedication, and contributions to fostering dialogue and understanding between nations. The award is considered a testament to the recipient’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding, and is typically bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated remarkable courage, integrity, and leadership in their respective fields.
Dr. Moghaddam, who has served as Iran’s ambassador to the Holy See since 2019, has played a crucial role in strengthening dialogue between the Islamic Republic and the Vatican. His efforts have focused on promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and respect between the two nations, and fostering greater awareness about the shared values of peace, justice, and compassion.
The award has been met with widespread acclaim in Iran, with government officials and ordinary citizens alike expressing their gratitude to the Pope for the recognition. The Iranian government has hailed the move as a significant achievement in the country’s diplomatic endeavors and a testament to the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation between Tehran and Rome.
In response to the award, Dr. Moghaddam expressed his deepest gratitude to the Pope for the honor, stating that it was a privilege to serve as Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican and to contribute to the advancement of relations between the two nations. He emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in fostering greater understanding and peace in the world.
The Vatican’s decision to award the Grand Order of Pius IX to Dr. Moghaddam has been seen as a significant gesture of goodwill and a commitment to strengthening ties between the Holy See and the Islamic world. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the award serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continued dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between nations.