The Holy See has clarified that a papal honour awarded to Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican was part of a routine diplomatic ceremony for 13 ambassadors, after Iranian media reports presented it as a special gesture by Pope Leo XIV.
Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, Iran’s ambassador to the Holy See, was among the diplomats who received the title of Knight or Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX on May 12. Vatican News said the honours were presented to ambassadors who had completed two years of service as representatives to the Holy See.
