Rasa – The new dean of al-Mustafa International University in Qom has written a letter to Pope Francis on the occasion of Christmas and the beginning of 2019 in the Gregorian calendar. RNA – Hujjat al-Islam Dr. Ali Abbasi, the new dean of al-Mustafa International University in Qom, has written a letter to Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, on the occasion of Christmas and the beginning of 2019 in the Gregorian calendar.
The letter is as follows:
Your Excellency Pope Francis,
Respected Leader of the Roman Catholics of the World,
With Cordial Greetings,
I am very pleased to congratulate you and all your respected colleagues in the Holy See, as well as all of the monotheists of the world, especially the dear Christians of Iran, on the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, the Son of Mary, and also the start of the new year of 2019, which coincided with the month of Rabi’ al-Thani, the month of happiness for Muslims.
Hereby, I, on behalf of all my colleagues at al-Mustafa International University, the largest university of the Shi’a Muslim world which is located in the Holy City of Qom, use this opportunity, while affirming the position of religion in disseminating the message of spirituality, rationality and justice in resolving the contemporary problems facing humanity, declare the readiness of this university to collaborate more in a sympathetic manner as well as to apply the authentic teachings of Islam in interfaith interactions.
I hope this year is the year that the followers of the various religious will play a greater role in establishing world peace. Today, more than ever, humanity is in dire need to take advantage the divine teachings of the prophets to resist the dominating powers.
I hope, by the grace of God Almighty, that there will be an opportunity to meet Your Excellency in 2019.
In conclusion, I pray to God Almighty for the health and prosperity of Your Excellency and honour happiness for all.
Dr. Ali Abbasi,
Dean of al-Mustafa International University
1 January, 2019
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