Iran’s Minister of Culture Abbas Salehi represented the Islamic Republic at the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, appearing alongside global dignitaries in a rare display of Tehran’s diplomatic outreach.
Salehi was accompanied by Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican, to pay respects to the late pontiff, who died Monday at the age of 88 after years of declining health.
Live broadcasts showed Salehi and Mokhtari standing near US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden during the ceremony. Footage also showed a heavy presence of Trump’s security personnel surrounding the Iranian representatives at St. Peter’s Square.
Separately, Ali Bahreini, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations office in Geneva, signed a book of condolences at the Vatican’s permanent mission on Thursday, expressing Tehran’s sympathy, IRNA reported.
Pope Francis, remembered for championing interfaith dialogue, drew tributes from leaders across the world, reflecting the broad reach of his papacy.
