Cardinal Dominic's prayer in the heart of Rome for peace in the Middle East

In the heart of Rome, Cardinal Dominic prayed for an end to war and peace in the Middle East, while emphasizing the abandonment of violence and moving toward days of peace.

A spiritual ceremony focusing on peace and tranquility in the Middle East was held in one of the historic churches in Rome, in which a prominent figure in the Catholic Church with ties to Iran played a prominent role. The ceremony, which coincided with the beginning of Christian Holy Week, became a platform to express concerns about the escalation of conflicts in the region and call for an end to violence.

At this gathering, Cardinal Dominic Matteo, referring to the critical situation in the region, stressed the need to return to peace. In his speech, he described God as “great and merciful” and emphasized the divine intention for peace and the rejection of any war. He called war a “whirlpool” and a “one-sided adventure” and warned that continuing on this path would only lead to an increase in human suffering.

The religious authority also called for an immediate end to the conflicts, especially in the Gulf region, and urged political leaders to distance themselves from the cycle of revenge and retaliation. He asked God to influence the hearts and minds of decision-makers so that the path of dialogue, tolerance, and hope replaces violence, paving the way for days of peace.

The prayer service, led by a senior official from the Diocese of Rome, was part of a wider spiritual program designed to promote peace and solidarity between nations. The initiative, which is being pursued with the participation of religious and social institutions in Italy, seeks to draw public attention to the consequences of the war through spiritual activities.

Cardinal Matteo's presence at the ceremony was also noteworthy in another respect. He had recently left Iran for Rome following the escalation of tensions and the start of military clashes in the region. His direct experience of the turbulent atmosphere in Tehran gave his words greater weight and importance, transforming his perspective from that of an outside observer to one close to the realities on the ground.

In recent years, religious leaders around the world have repeatedly warned about the humanitarian consequences of war. The Vatican has also consistently emphasized the role of diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful solutions, and Pope Francis has repeatedly called for an end to conflicts in the Middle East and other crisis-ridden parts of the world. Such events can be seen as part of the ongoing efforts of religious institutions to influence public opinion and even policymakers.

Overall, the ceremony not only reflected deep concerns about the situation in the Middle East, but also once again highlighted the role of religion and spirituality as a tool for calling for peace, empathy, and reducing tensions.