Catholic Cardinal In Iran Concerned Over Radiation Leaks And Continued Warfare

Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins wrote in a public letter that while there are no shelters nor sirens in Iran's capital city currently under Israeli bombardment, there is are "very active" air defenses that are "reassuring” as the conflict continues "through the air and by remote control." The exchange of attacks by Israel and Iran against each other's populations has been going on for nearly a week. This offers a great risk "of ‘the release of radiation and toxic gases," thus endangering people in both countries. The prelate called for prayer and a return "to the negotiating table.’" He referred to Saint Paul's letter to the Ephesians, in which he calls us to look upon Jesus Christ, who "made the two into one people." 

The figure for the total number of Christians in Iran (of all denominations) has been estimated at close to 300,000. The Armenians, Assyrians and Chaldeans represent the more traditional religious groupings in Iran and they constitute over 90 per cent of Iran’s Christian population. They do not carry out any missionary activities, and this stance has proven critical to their survival.

Iran’s Christians may be categorized as ‘ethnic Christians’ and ‘non-ethnic Christians’, the former including Armenians, Assyrians and Chaldeans’ and the latter are primarily Protestants and evangelicals.

According to the State Department, Iran has a total population of approximatley 87.6 million, of which 95 percent are Shia Muslim. Minority groups include Jews, Christians, Sunni Muslims, Zoroastrians, Dervishes, Baha'is, and Yarsanis. According to Iran's census authorities, there are 117,700 Christians of various recognized denominations. However, other estimates vary. For example, Boston University estimates there are 579,000 Christians while NGO Article 18 and Open Doors International estimate the number to be 800,000 and 1.24 million Christians, respectively. Various non-governmental organizations contend that many Christians are converts from Islam. The Article 18 NGO estimates the number of Catholics as 2,000 to 6,000.

Below is Cardinal Mathieu's reflection: 

On the sixth day of the war, the internet connection has just been restored after an interruption last night. The sun is shining and the birds are singing, with temperatures hovering around 38 degrees Celsius. In the 11th district of Tehran, where I am staying, the air defence is mostly very active at night. It may seem strange, but it is reassuring. This is because there are no shelters and no sirens. So we head in the direction of the sound. And in no time at all, you learn to distinguish between them.

The most interesting thing about this phase of the war is that the armies are not physically in contact with each other because there is no common border. Everything happens through the airspace and is remote-controlled. Both sides are violating the airspace of other nations. Aircraft and drones on one side, rockets and drones on the other. In reality, there is no immediate contact with the target. At this stage, it is an asymmetrical war.

As a citizen, you are confronted with collateral victims: displaced persons, wounded and dead. The main source of general information is social media, which plays an important role, sometimes even for military purposes. In both countries, there are many civilian casualties, both intentional and unintentional; for example, when a drone is shot down or a missile is intercepted and crashes. It hits, and as a result, you are not safe anywhere.

For the time being, some embassies are waiting until the end of the week before planning evacuation. Others have sent their nationals by road to neighbouring countries for repatriation. The local community has partially remained in the affected areas and many have dispersed to safer areas of the country. As far as the media allows, we are in contact.

A consensual agreement would be better, because we are now at risk of radiation and toxic gas release. I am not taking sides with any of the parties involved, but it is clear that war is not the solution. It is better that they return to the negotiating table. This is what we are praying for. In a situation like this, we dwell a little more on all that the Lord gives us and that others in other parts of the world do not have: protection, sustenance, concern for others, etc.

These days, I can see that many people have expressed their closeness to us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you. Let us pray for you, let us pray for ourselves, united in Christ, who saved the world by shedding his blood. Let us remember the letter to the Ephesians (2:14-16) where Jesus ‘made the two into one people, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between us’.