According to Pars Today, Sharli Enayeh‑Takkyeh, the representative of Assyrian and Chaldean Christians; Ara Shahverdián, the representative of Armenian Christians of Tehran and northern Iran; and Geghard Mansourian, the representative of Armenian Christians of Isfahan and southern Iran, issued a joint statement. In it, they expressed appreciation for Pope Leo XIV’s positions regarding Iran and condemned the U.S. president’s insult toward the high office of the Church.

The statement continues: “We, the representatives of the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Armenian Christians in the Parliament, declare that insulting you, Holy Father, is not only contrary to the teachings of Christianity, but also a clear assault on the call for peace, justice, and humanity. Disrespect toward religious leaders, sacred symbols, and especially Jesus Christ — the symbol of peace and brotherhood — is unacceptable to any free individual.”