Iranian president congratulates Pope, heads of state on Christmas

Rasa – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani offered his congratulations to Pope Francis and all Christians across the globe on the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ and the Christian New Year.

News ID: 3714

Date: 25 December 2015 - 15:50

RNA – In separate congratulatory messages to Christian heads of state on Thursday, President Rouhani congratulated Christians on the occasion and expressed the hope that in the New Year, countries would witness the establishment of sustainable peace and security and elimination of discrimination and terrorism across the world through closer cooperation.

In another message to Pope Francis, the Iranian president voiced deep concern over the spread of social and moral crises facing the humanity.

“Return to the teachings of divine religions can be considered as a major stride in the path to humankind’s excellence and perfection and can help reveal the true face of those who are trying to depict a violent and wrong image of teachings of great prophets through terrorist and criminal acts,” he noted.

Rouhani was referring to Takfiri terrorist groups like ISIL, which have committed heinous crimes in the name of Islam.

The president further wished "prosperity and happiness" for all nations and governments and health and success for the Pope.

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ observed most commonly on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among millions of people around the world.

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