Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday offered his condolences over the death of Pope Francis and praised his condemnation of "genocide" by Israel in Gaza.
"With sorrow, I offer my condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, the leader and spiritual guide of the world's Catholics," Pezeshkian said in a statement posted on his official website.
The president of Muslim-majority Iran said the pontiff's name and memory would remain "in the hearts of all awakened consciences and freedom-seekers" for his humanitarian stances, including the "condemnation of the genocide committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza".
Iran does not recognise Israel and has made support for the Palestinian cause a central tenet of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The Islamic republic backs Hamas, the militant group that launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, igniting the Gaza war.
Earlier Monday, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei also offered "condolences to all Christians around the world" following Pope Francis's death.
Iran maintains diplomatic relations with the Vatican.
