Iran convert formerly sentenced to death tells ‘Post’ Pope brought ‘shame’ by honoring envoy

Iran convert formerly sentenced to death tells ‘Post’ Pope brought ‘shame’ by honoring envoy

Amirizadeh's comments to the 'Post' came after Pope Leo bestowed a special honor on the Iranian ambassador to the Holy See, along with several other diplomats, for their years-long service.

Pope Leo Honors the Enemy Who Slaughtered 40,000 Protesters

According to Christopher Hale, Pope Leo XIV has named Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican, a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of Pius IX, according to a certificate dated May 8 and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope’s secretary of state. The honor raises the Iranian envoy to one of the most senior classes of the highest active papal order, founded in 1847 by Pope Pius IX and conferred today on se…

Vatican gave Iranian ambassador diplomatic honor, but Pope Leo XIV didn't personally bestow it

The Order of Pius is one of the highest diplomatic distinctions conferred by the Holy See, usually received by heads of state and diplomats.

Vatican’s Bloody Bargains: From Hitler’s Reich to Iran’s Mullahs

Background: Pope Leo gives top honor to Iran’s Ambassador and Iranian state media is making the most of it. Christopher Hale: Pope Leo XIV has named Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican, a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of Pius IX, according to a certificate dated May 8 and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope’s Secretary of State. The honor raises the Iranian envoy to one of the most senior class…

Iran Media Claims Pope Gave Their Ambassador a Special Award - Real Story Tells You How Twisted Regime Is

Iran falsely claims Pope gave special award to ambassador; Vatican clarifies it's routine honor for diplomats.

US Embassy Debunks Claim Vatican Honored Iran With Top Diplomatic Award

Isabella Bonotto Iranian Ambassador to the Vatican Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, left, and Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Iran’s culture minister, arrive to attend Mass at the start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate in St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025. ‘Contrary to news reports, Pope Leo has not bestowed an exclusive special honor on the Iranian ambassador to the Holy See,’ the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See said.