Tehran: Speaking from the heart of a nation torn by escalating violence, Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan of the Latins, has issued a heartfelt appeal for peace and a return to dialogue amid the ongoing aerial conflict between Iran and Israel. In an interview with Vatican Media, the Belgian-born prelate painted a grim picture of the humanitarian toll the conflict has unleashed on both sides.
“I stand daily among the wounded, the displaced, and the dead,” the Cardinal said. “The suffering is immense. In both countries, countless civilians both deliberately and inadvertently have become victims of this war.”
Tehran, the city from which he speaks, bears the scars of multiple bombardments. Despite a deceptive sense of calm during daylight hours where the sun shines, birds sing, and internet service has been restored the nights tell another story. “After sunset, the sky is alive with the sound of anti-aircraft defenses. There are no shelters here, no sirens to warn us. The people remain vulnerable,” the Cardinal explained.
Describing the nature of the conflict, Cardinal Mathieu noted its asymmetry and lack of a traditional battlefield. “This is not a war of foot soldiers or tanks. There is no shared border where armed forces engage directly. It is a war fought in the skies missiles, drones, and airspace violations that draw in even neighboring nations.”
He also highlighted the displacement within the local Church and wider community. “Many of our faithful have fled to safer regions. Others remain in the danger zones, cut off from support. Diplomatic missions are monitoring the situation, with some embassies postponing evacuation decisions until the week’s end.”
Cardinal Mathieu condemned the bloodshed as futile, stating firmly, “Violence will not bring a solution. We must return to negotiations. Our most powerful response now is prayer deep, unceasing prayer.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the spiritual solidarity shown from across the world. “Thank you sincerely for your prayers. We feel them. And we pray for you as well united in Christ, who redeemed the world by shedding His own blood.”
Concluding his message, the Cardinal quoted from the Letter to the Ephesians, recalling the image of Christ breaking down the walls of division. “He has made the two one people, destroying the barrier of hostility. May that promise guide us now more than ever.”