BREAKING Pope Leo XIV Meets with Iran's Cardinal Mathieu Following Emergency Evacuation Due to the Conflict - VIDEO

Pope Leo XIV Receives Evacuated Cardinal of Tehran Following Embassy Closure

VATICAN CITY — This morning, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Pope Leo XIV held a private audience with Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, O.F.M. Conv., the Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan. The meeting provided the Pontiff with a direct, "authentic account" of the escalating crisis in Iran, stripping away political rhetoric and wartime narratives. Twelve days have passed since the United States, together with Israel, attacked Iran, and the escalation in the Middle East has only continues to intensify. The only cardinal the Persian country has, the Archbishop of Tehran, Dominique Mathieu, is now in Rome.

A Forced Departure from Iran

Cardinal Mathieu, the only Latin rite Catholic bishop in Iran, was compelled to leave the country last weekend. His departure coincided with the Italian government's decision to shutter its embassy in Tehran. Because the Consolata Cathedral and the archdiocesan seat are located within the embassy compound, the Cardinal was included in the mandatory evacuation of approximately 50 Italian nationals.

The Cardinal arrived in Rome on Sunday, March 8, via Azerbaijan. In a message shared with CathoBel, he expressed profound "regret and sorrow" for the community he left behind, noting that his presence in Iran was a mission of "presence" despite the immense obstacles posed by the current regime.

The Plight of the "Lone Shepherd"

The situation for the Catholic minority in Iran is increasingly fragile. As the sole Latin rite cleric serving Tehran’s five parishes—without the assistance of priests or deacons—Cardinal Mathieu’s forced exile leaves the local community without its primary pastoral leader.

"While waiting to return, pray for the conversion of hearts to inner peace." — Cardinal Dominique Mathieu

Though he had hoped his 2024 elevation to the College of Cardinals would facilitate deeper dialogue with Iranian authorities, those hopes have been sidelined by the current geopolitical instability.

General Audience: A Cry for Lebanon and the Middle East

Following his meeting with the Cardinal, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful at his General Audience, turning his attention to the tragedy unfolding in Lebanon. The Pope specifically mourned the death of Father Pierre El Raii, a Maronite parish priest killed by an Israeli bombardment.

Key Highlights from the Pope’s Appeal:

  • A "True Shepherd": The Pope noted that El Raii translates to "The Shepherd," honoring the priest for staying with his flock until the moment he was killed while rushing to aid wounded parishioners.

  • Call for Peace: He prayed that the priest's sacrifice would become a "seed of peace" for Lebanon.

  • Protection of Innocents: The Pontiff urged the global community to pray for all civilian victims in the Middle East, particularly innocent children.

Message to the Arabic-Speaking World

In a special greeting to Arabic-speaking pilgrims, the Holy Father reinforced the Church’s role as a "witness to mercy," praying that the Lord would protect the region from evil and allow peace to reign.

Sources: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/03/11/0192/00370.html

https://www.cathobel.be/2026/03/le-cardinal-dominique-mathieu-archeveque-belge-de-teheran-a-ete-evacue-a-rome/

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