“Lady Mary and Prophet Jesus (pbut) in the Words of Imam Khamenei” unveiled in Vatican

The book “Lady Mary and Prophet Jesus (pbut) in the Words of Imam Khamenei”, which contains the views and statements of that martyred Leader regarding the exalted status of Lady Mary (pbuh) and Prophet Jesus (pbuh) in Islamic thought, has been compiled and organized in English by the Islamic Revolution Research and Cultural Institute (Office for the Preservation and Publication of the Works of Ayatollah Khamenei). The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Vatican has had the honor of unveiling this book.

The unveiling ceremony for this significant work was held in an official event at the premises of the Iranian Embassy in the Vatican. The gathering was attended by a number of journalists and media representatives from Italy and the Vatican, as well as resident cultural and academic figures. Among the distinguished guests was Professor Luciani, head of the Carita Politica Institute, accompanied by several of his academic colleagues, whose presence enriched the intellectual and cultural atmosphere of the event.

The book itself is a thoughtful and substantial work in which the profound perspectives of the martyred leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran on great divine personalities—particularly Lady Mary (pbuh) and Jesus Christ (peace be upon him)—have been compiled. Drawn from documented statements of this great Leader of the Islamic Ummah, the text presents a precise and deeply respectful portrayal of the status of these two sacred figures within the Islamic tradition. Notably, some of the spiritual and interpretive insights presented in the book possess such depth that they are less frequently addressed in this form even within common Christian writings, making the work particularly valuable for Christian readers and scholars of religion.

During the ceremony, Dr. Mokhtari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Vatican, delivered an extensive address introducing the book and emphasizing its importance in the field of interfaith dialogue. Elaborating on the intellectual and spiritual dimensions of the work, he stressed that the ideas presented in the book reflect Islam’s profound perspective on divine religions and great religious personalities, and that such perspectives can provide a constructive foundation for deeper dialogue and mutual understanding among followers of different faiths. His remarks were met with keen interest and appreciation from those in attendance, creating an atmosphere marked by admiration, reflection, and enthusiasm.

The wide and positive coverage of the ceremony in news agencies, reputable Italian media outlets, and even on the official Vatican website—published only a few hours after the event—served as a clear indication of the cultural and spiritual significance of the occasion. This media reflection demonstrated that the topic of interfaith dialogue and the introduction of great divine figures through the lens of Islamic thought continues to hold an important place in the contemporary intellectual and cultural landscape.

It was also announced during the event that copies of this English-language book will be sent to Pope Leo XIV, the Prime Minister, senior Vatican officials, as well as ambassadors and heads of foreign missions accredited to the Vatican. The aim is for this work to convey a message of mutual respect and sincere dialogue among the Abrahamic faiths to a wider audience.

In the concluding part of his remarks, Dr. Mokhtari referred to the character and legacy of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that the book represents only a small portion of the intellectual outlook and approach of that great Leader of the Islamic Ummah. Over nearly five decades of intellectual struggle and spiritual leadership, he consistently emphasized respect for divine religions, dialogue among followers of different faiths, and the avoidance of insulting religious sanctities. Despite such an approach, the ambassador added, that great Leader and defender of human dignity was unjustly and tragically targeted by the cruelty and violence of enemies who claim religiosity and deceptively profess to follow Jesus Christ, ultimately attaining the lofty rank of martyrdom.

At the end of the gathering, in response to the interest and request of several attendees, it was announced that the book will soon be translated and published in Italian so that it may be made available to cultural elites, scholars, and religious figures in the Vatican, as well as others interested in interfaith dialogue, thereby contributing further to mutual understanding and the strengthening of peaceful coexistence among followers of divine religions.

Thus, the unveiling of this valuable work was not merely a cultural event, but also a symbol of efforts to strengthen interreligious dialogue, promote mutual respect among religious traditions, and present the humane and spiritual perspective of Islam to the contemporary world.