Little information is coming out of Iran about how the Catholic population there is faring during the violent government crackdowns on protests.
Among the country's population of almost 87 million inhabitants, it is estimated that 22,000 are Catholic.
This means that around 90% of the population is Muslim. According to assessments by the NGO Iran Human Rights, around 700 people have already been killed in the massive protests by the regime.
The current nationwide protests first sparked in Tehran, when merchants and shopkeepers— who are part of what is known as the Bazaari class—began protesting the economic situation, high inflation, and fuel shortages.
The movement has now grown into a strong outcry against the Ayatollah government, a repressive regime that has imprisoned and killed demonstrators in the past. With reports that hundreds have been killed in the current protests, Pope Leo has spoken out.
POPE LEO XIV
In particular in Iran and in Syria, where persistent tensions are causing the death of many people. I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be cultivated with patience.
Since January 8, access to the Internet in Iran has been restricted, and not even the FIDES agency—the information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies—is able to provide information about what is happening to Catholics in the country.
