Cardinal-elect Matthieu: ‘Ambitions of domination bar path to peace’

By Lisa Zengarini

The key to restoring peace in the Middle East and around the world is for all parties involved to “abandon their quest for supremacy” and “stop investing time, energy and resources in new technologies and strategies that keep us away from the light,” he says. Cardinal-elect Dominique Joseph Mathieu OFM Conv..

Since 2021, the Belgian-born Conventual Franciscan has been head of the Archdiocese of Tehran-Isfahan, the only Latin-rite Catholic diocese in Iran, which is home to a small flock of 2,000 Catholics among a predominantly Shiite population of 82 million of people.

Aged 61, he is one of the 21 cardinals that Pope Francis will create during the consistory on December 7, making him the third cardinal in the history of the Islamic Republic.

Within his Franciscan Order, he held various positions, serving for several years in the Provincial Custody of the Orient and the Holy Land, and has extensive experience in interreligious dialogue with Muslims.

The time has come to face conflicts with courage and transparency

Speaking to Vatican representatives Agenzia Fides Following recent targeted Israeli airstrikes on Iran in retaliation for earlier Iranian attacks, Archbishop Mathieu avoided direct political comments but noted that in the context of the current escalation in the Middle East, the time has come “to confront conflicts with courage and transparency”. »

“It is only through an authentic encounter with others that the spark of fraternity can emerge in our common home, which God, in love, has entrusted to us,” he declared, echoing the calls Pope Francis’ incessant efforts to put an end to the spiral of violence and suffering in the region. .

We need concrete actions of reconciliation and unity

Mgr Matthieu insisted on the need to build peace “through concrete actions of reconciliation and unity”. “By walking together, despite our differences, we can be true witnesses of peace,” he said.

In a previous interview with Asian news During his creation as cardinal and his ministry in Iran, Archbishop Mathieu denounced the warlike rhetoric dominant in the Middle East crisis and highlighted the weakness of international institutions, starting with the United Nations.

The awakening of the UN and the EU

He also noted the contradictions of the European Union which, while calling for a ceasefire and peace, continues to send weapons to the belligerents.

He recalled the words of Pope Francis during his recent Apostolic Journey to BelgiumiIn which he urged government leaders to “assume the responsibility, the risk and the honor of peace”, denouncing the fact that in several countries the most profitable investments are in the manufacture of weapons.