Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The "deep religious sensibilities" of the Iranians is reason to hope for a "increased openness and trusting cooperation with the international community” and faith in the one God urges “collaboration in the promotion of fundamental human values", the basis of which are freedom of religion and freedom of conscience. These are the central concepts of Benedict XVI’s address to the new Iranian ambassador to the Holy See, Ali Akbar Naseri, received this morning for the presentation of credentials.

The theme of international cooperation was addressed by the Pope in his evoking the "eminent spiritual traditions" of the Iranians and the "hope" of openness and collaboration that comes from that. "Today - he continued - we must all hope and support a new phase of international cooperation, based more firmly on humanitarian principles and on concrete aid to those who suffer, less dependent on cold calculations of exchanges and technical and economic benefits." 

"Belief in one God - then said the pope - must bring all believers together and motivate them to work for the defence and promotion of fundamental human values. Among the universal rights freedom of religious and freedom of conscience occupy a fundamental place, because they are the basis of other freedoms. The aims of a true collaboration must also be the defence of the rights that arise from the dignity of persons and peoples, especially the promotion and protection of human life, justice and solidarity. On the other hand - he continued - as I have often had occasion to point out, the establishment of cordial relations between believers of different religions is a pressing need of our time, to build a more humane world that is consistent with God's plan for creation” . In this perspective, the Pope expressed his support for the meetings between the Vatican and Iranian organisations that "help us to seek together what is right and true", "enable everyone to progress in mutual understanding and cooperation,  reflecting on major issues that touch the lives of mankind".

The presence of Catholics in Iran, since "the first centuries of Christianity," was the topic of the final part of Benedict XVI speech to the Iranian diplomat. "It is - he said - a truly Iranian community ".  “The Holy See - he continued - is confident that the Iranian authorities will strengthen and ensure the freedom of Christians to profess their faith,  and ensure the Catholic community the conditions essential for its existence, including the possibility of having adequate facilities and a religious personnel free to travel in the country to service pastoral needs of the faithful. "