Pope Leo XIV presented Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican, Ayatollah Hossein Mokhtari, with the Vatican’s highest diplomatic distinction — the “Medal of Pius” — reportedly in recognition of Iran’s “extraordinary contributions to peace and interfaith cooperation between Christians and Muslims.”
The move immediately drew criticism from many observers who pointed to Iran’s record of supporting regional terrorist organizations, suppressing dissent, and restricting religious freedoms inside the country.
Critics also highlighted the ongoing persecution of Christians and religious converts in Iran, arguing that the award sends a troubling message at a time when Tehran continues backing armed groups across the Middle East.
The criticism has intensified in light of the massive internal crackdown carried out by the Iranian regime just last January, when tens of thousands of Iranians were reportedly killed, arrested, or disappeared during nationwide unrest and suppression operations.
