We, members of the International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace (IDCJP), grounded in the belief that every human person is created by God and endowed with inalienable dignity, lift our hearts in prayerful solidarity with the people of Iran, who are enduring profound suffering, traumatic violence, and the tragic loss of life.
The Dominican Order first established a presence in Iran in the 13th century and has a long history of fostering mutual understanding and peace in the region. From this shared history, we speak not as strangers, but as brothers and sisters concerned for the lives and dignity of the Iranian people.
Moved by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we express our deep closeness to all who mourn (Mt. 5:4). In a special way, we offer our heartfelt condolences to families who have lost their loved ones and, praying that God “will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 21:4), entrust the dead to the mercy of God, who alone is the Lord of life and death (Deut. 32:39).
We urgently appeal to the Iranian authorities to safeguard the lives of all citizens, to respect their dignity, and to take concrete steps to halt further bloodshed. No political goal can justify the taking of innocent life.
We likewise call upon the international community to act with courage and responsibility, employing diplomatic, peaceful, and nonviolent means to bring this crisis to an end. True security and lasting peace is not born of repression or force, but of justice, dialogue, and trust.
We commend the people of Iran to God’s providence and add our voices to that of Pope Leo XIV who has prayed for Iran, “that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society.”