Iran: Catholics Weakened by Israel's Offensive

“It is with regret that we observe in recent hours, once again, that people believe they can achieve peace through preemptive attacks instead of engaging in dialogue around the negotiating table."

The message, couched in conventional terms, was sent by Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan of the Latins to AsiaNews as soon as the Israeli offensive began. This "spur of the moment" reaction reflects the anguish experienced by Catholics on Iranian soil.

The latter, estimated at around 20,000 to 30,000 faithful, form an infinitesimal fraction of the Iranian population. They are mainly divided between the Latin, Armenian, and Chaldean rites, with communities concentrated in Tehran, Isfahan, and other major urban centers.

Their presence, although discreet, remains a sign of hope in a context where strict Shia Islam is the state religion, and where religious minorities must navigate a very restricted legal and social framework.

In this precarious context, Israel's intervention—decided with the stated aim of defending the country's security against an existential nuclear threat—is far from easing the Church’s situation: these attacks "do not lead to peace, but exacerbate chaos and fuel a cycle of violence," believes Cardinal Mathieu.

It must be said that the Catholic Church in Iran plays a balancing act: on the one hand, Catholics enjoy a degree of official recognition as a religious community, which allows them to practice their faith in churches and maintain institutions such as schools and charitable centers.

On the other hand, they face significant restrictions, particularly regarding "proselytizing," which is strictly prohibited, and participation in public life. "We are a small community, but we seek to live our faith authentically, while respecting the context in which we live," the high prelate defends.

This delicate position forces Catholics to adopt a discreet stance and confine themselves to the semantics of interreligious dialogue. Thus, Cardinal Mathieu emphasizes the importance of building ties with Muslim communities, particularly through charitable and educational initiatives. In this context, Catholic schools, although rare, are obliged to welcome Muslim students in order to demonstrate respectful coexistence.

Another challenge lies in the perception of Christians in Iranian society. Although the Constitution of the Islamic Republic recognizes several religious minorities, such as Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, geopolitical tensions, particularly with Western countries associated with Christianity, can complicate the situation for Catholics.

The latter feel constantly obliged to demonstrate their loyalty to the current regime while minimally affirming their religious identity. The high prelate therefore confines himself to describing the charitable and educational initiatives carried out by the Church on the ground. One thing is certain: the coming weeks and months will be highly risky for the small Catholic flock.