Vatican gave Iranian ambassador diplomatic honor, but Pope Leo XIV didn't personally bestow it

The Order of Pius is one of the highest diplomatic distinctions conferred by the Holy See, usually received by heads of state ...
AhluBayt News Agency

Pope Bestows Highest Diplomatic Decoration on Iranian Ambassador to the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV bestowed the highest diplomatic honor of the Vatican upon Dr. Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Holy See.
LBCI Lebanon

Not a Special Honor for Iran: Vatican Award Was Given to 13 Ambassadors — and the Pope Did Not Attend

Iranian and Arab media outlets circulated reports claiming that Pope Leo XIV awarded Iran’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX, also ...