The new ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran presented his credentials to Pope Francis, although he needed a little help to comply with the protocol.
“Please present your letters.”
Seyed Taha Hashemi is a physician and specialist in Islamic law. He has held various positions in the Iranian government in recent decades.
The diplomat presented Pope Francis with a magnificent rug handmade from wool and silk in the city of Kerman, which is famous for this type of work.
He also gave him a book with a compilation of the works of Persian poet Omar Jayam. Pope Francis gave him a copy of his encyclical Laudato si' and the medal of his pontificate.
The Holy See and Iran have maintained diplomatic relations since 1953.
