The Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan believes that Pope Francis’ decision to elevate him to the rank of Cardinal is “a testimony to how God has chosen the weak things of the world to confuse the strong ones.”
“May this choice to be a close collaborator of the Holy Father, in accordance with Jesus Christ, be a further sign for the Church, the people of God, of the incessant desire to weave and strengthen ties with all peoples, in this case, the Iranians in general and their leaders in particular,” said Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mathieu in a report by AsiaNews.
On Oct. 21, Pope Francis announced that he would hold a Consistory for the creation of new Cardinals on Dec. 8. The pontiff named 21 new cardinals, including Archbishop Mathieu.
Archbishop Mathieu, originally from Belgium, expressed his gratitude in a message sent to AsiaNews, highlighting the significance of this appointment in fostering connections between the Catholic Church and Iran.
“In the footsteps and spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, in obedience to the Pope, we will carry forward the mission of being an instrument of peace in the common home and for all brothers, in deeds and, if possible, in words,” the prelate said.
Mathieu has served as Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan since January 2021. A member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, his clerical career has spanned several decades, including roles in Belgium and Lebanon before his current assignment in Iran.
His elevation to cardinal is seen as a reflection of the Catholic Church’s commitment to the marginalized. “Despite being a minority, my presence in Iran is important to say: ‘We are here,’” he told AsiaNews.
“Christians in Iran must ‘be there and bear witness,’” he added, emphasizing the role of the faithful in bearing witness to God’s love through their lives.
Archbishop Mathieu acknowledged the complexities of religious freedom in Iran, where Christians, Zoroastrians, and Jews are constitutionally allowed to practice their faith but face limitations under Islamic law.
Yet, he remains focused on the pastoral work of building the local Church, noting that “training the members of the community to assume the responsibilities of the Church” is a long-term mission.
“When we cannot preach with words,” he said, “we preach with our life and bear witness to the love of God with our very life. I believe that this is also what is expected of Christians.”
Archbishop Mathieu offered a final reflection on the Iranian people, describing them as “very welcoming” and pushing back against Western media portrayals of the country.
“A nation that is not just chadors and beards, as is often represented, and erroneously, by the media in the West,” he said, noting the intellectual and cultural richness of the nation.
