For the first time, a cardinal residing in Iran will participate in the upcoming conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis. This is Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, born in Arlon, Belgium, a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. Appointed Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins in 2021, he was created cardinal by Pope Francis in the Consistory of December 7, 2024, and is the first cardinal to reside in Iran in modern times. Cardinal Mathieu is known for his advocacy of dialogue with the Muslim community and for peace in the Middle East, his experience in interreligious dialogue, and his affinity for the Islamic world, which is particularly significant in the Iranian context.
His participation in the upcoming conclave is considered a significant event for the Catholic Church in Iran, underscoring the universality of the Catholic Church and the emphasis placed by Pope Francis on dialogue, universality, and the inclusion of voices from the peripheries of the world.
The Archdiocese of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins occupies a unique position within the Catholic Church. The historical roots of the Latin Church in Persia date back centuries, with periods of flourishing and decline. The Diocese of Isfahan was erected in 1629, and in 1910 it was elevated to the Archdiocese of Isfahan. A significant change occurred on January 8, 2021, when the name of the Archdiocese was changed to the Archdiocese of Tehran-Ispahan, to emphasize the transfer of the Archiepiscopal See to the capital and to recognize the growing importance of Tehran. The Archdiocese of Tehran-Ispahan, one of the few Latin Rite dioceses in the Middle East, follows the liturgical traditions and canon law of the Catholic Church, is immediately subject to the Holy See, and depends on the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. It currently covers a vast territory, comprising the cities of Tehran and Isfahan, as well as Tabriz, and serves a diverse Catholic population of approximately 21,000 faithful, citizens of various countries as well as Iranian converts. Mathieu’s appointment as Archbishop and his subsequent elevation to the cardinalate by Pope Francis have highlighted the Pope’s attention to Catholic communities in traditionally non-Christian countries, which he has called “the little flock,” and his desire for dialogue and openness towards these regions.
The Catholic Church in Iran is a small but diverse reality, comprising communities of different rites: Latin, Armenian Catholic, and Chaldean Catholic. Despite being a minority, the Catholic Church plays a role in Iranian society, mainly through charitable and educational activities.
The relationship between the Catholic Church and the Iranian government is complex, with periods of relative openness and moments of greater restriction. The churches of historical Christian communities (such as Armenians and Assyrians) are generally protected, but the faithful are seen as second-class citizens. Although current relations between the Iranian government and the Catholic Church are characterized by formal dialogue at the diplomatic level, the Catholic community continues to face significant restrictions and persecution regarding religious freedom. In 2024, prison sentences for Christians in Iran increased sixfold compared to the previous year. Furthermore, converts from Islam to Christianity often face social pressure and rejection from their communities and families. Cardinal Mathieu’s participation in the Conclave underscores the Church’s commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and service to the community in Iran.
