Cardinal Parolin and President Pezeshkian of Iran speak by phone

By Vatican News

On Monday morning, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's Secretary of State, had a telephone conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

In a communication to journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, noted that Cardinal Parolin congratulated the new President on the start of his term of office, saying they discussed issues of common interest.

Cardinal Parolin expressed the Holy See's deep concern over what is happening in the Middle East, reiterating the need to avoid, in any way possible, the widening of the very serious conflict underway and preferring instead every effort for dialogue, negotiation and peace.

Appeals of Pope Francis

Pope Francis has made regular appeals for dialogue, peace and every effort to help the suffering.

At the conclusion of last Wednesday's General Audience, the Pope said he is following the situation in the Middle East with great concern, and he reiterated his appeal to all the parties involved that the conflict may not spread.

"May there be an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, starting with Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is very serious and unsustainable," he said, offering his prayers "that the sincere search for peace will extinguish strife, love will overcome hatred and vengeance will be disarmed by forgiveness."