Chicago-born and Peru-naturalised Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Bishop of Rome by the College of Cardinals, held in the Sistine Chapel, on 8th May, 2025. He chose the papal name Pope Leo XIV, in homage to Pope Leo XIII, the fourth longest-serving pontiff, who passed away in 1903. Known for his pastoral depth and moral clarity, Pope Leo XIV swiftly signaled a bold papacy—offering the Vatican as a peace forum for Ukraine and Russia, and urging ceasefires in Gaza and Myanmar.

The Zoroastrian delegation, represented by the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), participated in two significant events at the Vatican, marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. These included the Solemn Mass for the Inauguration of the Pope’s Petrine Ministry, at St. Peter’s Square on 18^th May, 2025, followed by a private audience with His Holiness in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, the following day.

Established in 1861 in the United Kingdom to serve the Zoroastrian community in Europe, the ZTFE is the oldest South Asian faith based voluntary organisation in Europe. Its participation in these historic Vatican events; following its representation at the funeral of the late H.H. Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, 2025, by ZTFE’s Interfaith Coordinator, Ruzbeh V Hodiwala, and Resident Priest, Ervad Yazad T Bhadha, reflected not only the Zoroastrian community’s ongoing commitment to interfaith dialogue, but also the Vatican’s recognition of Zoroastrianism’s enduring ethical, philosophical, and historical contributions as a world religion.

The Zoroastrian representatives from ZTFE included President – Malcolm M Deboo; Hon. Treasurer – Javid S Canteenwala; Interfaith Officer and MCM – Ruzbeh V Hodiwala; Zoroastrian Medical Association Founder and Co-Chair of ZTFE’s Young Zoroastrians of UK – Dr. Zal J Canteenwala; and Vice Chair of ZTFE’s Young Zoroastrians of UK – Freyan V Khambatta. The participation of three youth members reflects ZTFE’s commitment to engaging young members in global and social issues.

Seated prominently among global dignitaries, ZTFE President Malcolm M Deboo represented the Zoroastrian community alongside senior Sikh, Buddhist and Muslim leaders, reaffirming Zoroastrianism’s enduring voice in interfaith dialogue. After the Inauguration Mass, delegates joined a fellowship lunch at the Paul VI Audience Hall, where mixed seating encouraged vibrant exchanges. Conversations ranged from theology to shared histories, with Zoroastrians recalling King Tiridates I’s visit to Emperor Nero, Sasanian-Nestorian ties, and Parsi envoy Maneckji Cursetji’s 1840s audience with Pope Gregory XV.

Discussions touched on youth engagement, healthcare equity and interfaith humanitarian efforts. South Asian delegates praised the Parsi community’s legacy in service and nation-building, while smaller faith groups stressed unity for stronger policy representation. On 19^th May, 2025, the Zoroastrian delegation joined a private audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Clementine Hall, a grand Renaissance chamber used for formal papal receptions.

Addressing representatives of various churches and religions, H H Pope Leo XIV called for unity in a world marred by suffering and division. “Now is the time for dialogue and building bridges. I am therefore pleased and grateful for the presence of representatives of other religious traditions, who share the search for God and his will, which is always and only the will of love and life,” he said.

He praised Pope Francis’ groundbreaking efforts in interfaith dialogue. Emphasising shared moral responsibility, he urged the promotion of “the culture of dialogue as the path; mutual collaboration as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard.” Recognising the unique contributions of each tradition, he added, “Each community brings wisdom, compassion and commitment to the good of humanity and the preservation of our common home… We can say ‘no’ to war and ‘yes’ to peace.” He called for unity, hope and spiritual kinship in his concluding remarks.

Following the address, the Pontiff personally greeted each delegate, exchanged a few words, and graciously received gifts presented by various faith delegations. President Deboo presented a copy of ‘The Everlasting Flame: Zoroastrians in History and Imagination’, featuring a message from King Charles III (then HRH Prince of Wales), alongside his photograph.

This publication holds special significance as it includes an image of Raphael’s renowned painting The School of Athens, at the Vatican, which depicts Prophet Zarathushtra holding a celestial globe. Javid Canteenwala presented the Pontiff with the ZTFE Sesquicentennial Medallion, while Ruzbeh Hodiwala and Dr. Zal Canteenwala jointly presented a copy of the Tamām Khordeh Avesta, compiled by Er. Dr. Ramiyar P Karanjia.

Earlier, the Vatican News featured President Deboo quoting, “The world is going through various challenges, and we face them together. No religious community can do it alone, but together we can collaborate for peace.” He highlighted the significance of ZTFE’s presence at the start of this new papacy, echoing the Pope’s call to build bridges across faiths. A live CNN broadcast also captured him warmly greeting HRH Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, recalling her and Prince Edward’s attendance at ZTFE’s Golden Jubilee Service for Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.

ZTFE’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to meaningful interfaith engagement and the vital voice of smaller faiths in global dialogue. The Vatican’s gracious welcome underscored a shared dedication to mutual respect and peace. As heirs to an ancient spiritual legacy, Zoroastrians continue to offer their wisdom in shaping a more inclusive, harmonious world.