An Iranian delegation recently visited the Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico City, a revered Marian shrine housing the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary on St. Juan Diego’s tilma. The July 8 visit, announced by the Iranian Embassy in Mexico, aimed to foster interfaith dialogue between Islam and Christianity.
The delegation included Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh; Ayatollah Dr. Emran Khanzadeh; and Mohammad Reza Gilani, cultural affairs counselor. They were welcomed by Monsignor Edgar Alan Valtierra López, head of the basilica’s Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue.
During the meeting, the Iranian embassy highlighted shared reverence for the Virgin Mary, known as Maryam in Islam, the only woman named in the Quran. The delegates noted that in Iran, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians coexist with mutual respect. ‘Religions may have different paths, but they all lead to peace,’ the embassy stated.
Msgr. Valtierra emphasized Mary’s role in Catholic-Muslim dialogue, citing shared values like love for God, obedience, and faith. He explained that the basilica serves as a place for interfaith encounters, hosting events with various religious groups. The visit included a tour of the shrine and discussions on theological commonalities.
The ayatollah spoke about the need for religions to work together, referencing co-existence in Iran where places of worship stand side by side. The delegation also expressed devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, with members sharing that they have daughters named Mary and keep images of the Virgin in their homes. They noted a metro station in Tehran named ‘Holy Virgin Mary.’
Msgr. Valtierra clarified that such visits do not promote syncretism but offer opportunities for mutual respect and understanding, as encouraged by the Second Vatican Council. The basilica remains a Catholic shrine while welcoming interfaith dialogue for peace and human dignity.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa and adapted by EWTN News.
