This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Holy See, on the occasion of the presentation of his credential letters.

The following is a brief biography of the new ambassador:

His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Holy See

His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari was born on 14 June 1965 in Qaemshahr, and is married with four children.

He was awarded a doctorate in Western philosophy from the University of Durham, England (2008). He also holds a doctorate in religious and juridical sciences (Qom).

He has held the following offices: member of the scientific committee of the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute (since 2008); director of the Study Institute for the Rapprochement of Religious Denominations (2013 - 2016); rector of the University for Islamic Denominations (2017 - 2020); and plenipotentiary representative of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Foundation Board of Ahl-al-Beyt University. He is also a member of the Scientific Committee of the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute: professor and dean of the Orvet ol vosqa International Faculty (from 2020).