Vatican City: Amid the ongoing conflict in Iran and growing suffering among civilians, Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu has shared a message of hope, reminding Christians that Christ brings new life even in times of trial.
The Archbishop of the Latin Archdiocese of Tehran Isfahan joined Pope Leo XIV and other Cardinals at Easter celebrations in St Peter’s Basilica. However, his presence in Rome comes after a painful decision to leave Iran following the outbreak of war. On March 9, he said he had fled to Rome along with staff from the Italian embassy, describing the move as one made with sorrow.
In an Easter message released through Fides News Agency, the Cardinal assured the faithful in Iran of his spiritual closeness despite the physical distance. He said that although he is far from his flock, he carried them in his heart during the Easter Vigil.
He reflected on the feeling of being both distant and close at the same time, saying that while war has separated him from his people, faith creates a deeper unity. According to him, what appears as distance in human terms becomes communion through faith, especially through the Eucharist.
Standing beneath the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, he said he felt united with the universal Church and the Successor of Peter. This experience, he explained, helped him see that separation can become a bridge that connects believers in Christ.
The Cardinal also reflected on the meaning of the Easter Vigil, describing it as a moment that moves from darkness to light. He compared this to the light of Christ reflected through the Virgin Mary, who always points to her Son as the source of life.
Recalling the Gospel account of the women who found the empty tomb, he said their fear turned into faith, showing how God transforms sorrow into hope. He added that while Christians await the final resurrection, new life has already begun through Christ, even if it comes through suffering.
Cardinal Mathieu ended his message by expressing deep closeness to Catholics in Iran and hope for the day they can gather again. He said that in the risen Christ, both distance and closeness are transformed, and that Christ continues to unite, guide, and sustain his people until they are together again as one flock under one shepherd.