It was good to see the photo of Pope Francis and President Hassen Rouhani of Iran smiling and conversing with each other in The New York Times (January 27, 2016). Their meeting came as a result of the Iranian nuclear deal. Iran bolstered its long-standing commitment under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty never to acquire nuclear weapons with permanent inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and 15 years of restrictions even on its civilian nuclear program.
In return, the international community lifted severe sanctions that had hurt ordinary Iranians. Iran is coming out of isolation to take its rightful place among the world’s nations, re-establishing trade and business ties. Diplomacy can accomplish miracles given time, patience, and good will.
A Vatican statement speaks of “the important role that Iran is called upon to fulfill in promoting peaceful solutions in Middle Eastern conflicts and countering the spread of terrorism and arms trafficking.” 250,000 civilian deaths have occurred in the Syrian conflict. Talks in London are scheduled to bring relief to the suffering population.
Pope Francis sees the Iran nuclear deal as “giving hope for the future.” Pope Francis and President Rouhani discussed “the importance of inter-religious dialogue and the responsibility of religious communities in promoting reconciliation, tolerance, and peace.”
The visit ended with Pope Francis thanking President Rouhani and saying, “I hope for peace.” President Rouhani replied by asking Pope Francis to pray for him.
