Cardinal of Tehran: from Colonialism to the diplomacy of spirituality in “Western Asia”

In a reflection for AsiaNews, Archbishop Mathieu criticises the ‘colonial hegemony’ that distorts the reality of an ‘intrinsically multipolar’ region. ‘Peace cannot be built on the ideology of a so-called free interventionist world that dehumanises parts of populations that are not aligned with them.’ Tension rises over nuclear issue: “E3” countries want to reactivate snapback mechanism, Tehran threatens to withdraw from Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Tehran (AsiaNews) - The very name ‘Middle East’ ‘betrays a persistent colonial hegemony’ and masks ‘the reality of an intrinsically multipolar “Western Asia”’. This is what Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins, writes in his reflection sent to AsiaNews on the situation in a region ravaged by ‘tensions and conflicts’.

This hegemony, the cardinal continues, too often ‘limits itself’ to a ‘policy of aggressive and expansionist military superiority’ imposed ‘by rulers without the consent of the ruled’. On the contrary, he warns, it is necessary to ‘recognise and value the spiritual dimension of humanity’, to base oneself on ‘universal principles’ of human dignity, the common good and solidarity, and by promoting interreligious dialogue, one ‘approaches a “diplomacy of spirituality”’.

In recent days, the UN Security Council met behind closed doors after the so-called ‘E3’ countries - France, the United Kingdom and Germany - decided to initiate the process for activating the snapback mechanism, paving the way for the restoration of UN sanctions on nuclear power.

On the domestic front, meanwhile, the controversy promoted by the ultra-conservative wing over the return of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors continues unabated, with Tehran's leaders threatening to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

In addition, some senior Iranian officials have reportedly admitted in private meetings that Washington has ignored at least 15 messages aimed at resuming negotiations. At the same time, the Pasdaran (Guardians of the Revolution) have announced the arrest of eight people suspected of attempting to transmit the coordinates of sensitive sites and details of high-ranking military officers to Mossad.

This is a general picture of crisis and tension, which makes Cardinal Mathieu's warning at the end of his reflection even more urgent: at the heart of Christian life is ‘love, not domination’.

Below is Cardinal Mathieu's reflection sent to AsiaNews:

The very name ‘Middle East’ betrays a persistent colonial hegemony, masking the reality of an intrinsically multipolar ‘Western Asia’. This terminology is not neutral; it echoes a Western superpower and its regional allies, whose goal remains domination. To break the cycle of tension and conflict, it is imperative to reject this unilateral vision and embrace an approach based on human dignity and cooperation.

Such hegemony is very often limited to a policy of aggressive and expansionist military superiority, increasingly imposed by rulers without the consent of the ruled. This policy involves the total suppression of rivals or the imposition of one's own authority. This dynamic strengthens regional resistance and thus distances the ruler from his goal, which should include both political legitimacy and regional acceptance. As the Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci points out, any alternative perspective to that of the ruler may then seem irrational or extreme.

Lasting peace, capable of breaking the endless cycle of tensions and conflicts, is achieved through diplomacy and dialogue, with mutual respect and equal sovereignty. Peace in West Asia cannot be built on the ideology of a so-called “free” interventionist world – which places itself on the “right side of history” – that demonises emerging powers while promoting regime change for the good of citizens, and that dehumanises parts of populations that are not aligned with them.

Clinging to the past instead of opening up to a new world order offers no guarantee of international and regional security, nor of internationally sustainable economic structures and institutions. On the contrary, it brings us closer to the brink of Armageddon.

If there is such a thing as just domination, it can only come from God, who considers the dignity and freedom of every human being to be fundamental. Any attack on dignity, restriction of freedom, and exploitation of individuals or groups is contrary to Catholic social ethics.

Any system or structure that leads to the unjust domination of one group over another, whether economic, political, or cultural, is unacceptable. The Church opposes all forms of hegemony that marginalise and oppress. For this reason, it promotes solidarity, subsidiarity and the preferential option for the poor. Jesus denounces the hypocrisy of an “external” religiosity devoid of inner spirituality, which is the authentic expression of a deep and sincere relationship with God.

Recognising and valuing the spiritual dimension of humanity as a driving force for peace, justice and reconciliation in the world – based on the universal principles of human dignity, the common good and solidarity, and actively promoting interreligious dialogue – is akin to a “diplomacy of spirituality”.

These Christian values are not imposed, but permeate individuals and societies by witnessing and discussing universal truths, respecting cultural diversity, including values, beliefs and social norms. As Pope Leo XIV emphasises: ‘Peace begins for each of us: in the way we look at others, listen to others, speak about others’.

At the heart of our Christian life is “love, not domination”: only love can lead to personal and social perfection, enabling society to progress towards the good, reflecting the love of God and the sacrifice of Christ, manifesting itself through compassion, service and universal respect for every person.

* Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins