Pope Francis walks alongside Iraq s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhem upon his arrival in Baghdad on March 5, 2021, on the first papal visit to Iraq. Pope Francis began his historic trip to war-scarred Iraq, defying security concerns and the coronavirus pandemic to comfort one of the world s oldest and most persecuted Christian communities. | VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis described his first visit to war-torn Iraq amid a raging pandemic and security concerns as a “pilgrimage of peace,” bringing focus on that country’s dwindling Christian population that suffered mass killings by the Islamic State terror group and a mass exodus.
Iraqi President Barham Saleh (R) welcomes Pope Francis at the presidential palace in Baghdad s Green Zone on March 5, 2021. AFP
BAGHDAD: Pope Francis, beginning the first trip by a pontiff to Iraq, made an impassioned call on Friday for an end to the militant violence and religious strife that has plagued the country for decades, saying peacemakers should finally be given a chance.
“May the clash of arms be silenced . may there be an end to acts of violence and extremism,” he said, addressing Iraqi President Barham Salih, politicians and diplomats at the presidential palace.
Francis arrived at Baghdad airport under tight security, after telling reporters on his plane that he felt duty-bound to make the “emblematic” trip because the country “has been martyred for so many years”.
Pope Francis on historic trip to Iraq, to meet Shia Muslim leader Sistani business-standard.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from business-standard.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Pope Francis described his first visit to war-torn Iraq amid a raging pandemic and security concerns as a “pilgrimage of peace,” bringing focus on that country’s dwindling Christian population that suffered mass killings by the Islamic State terror group and a mass exodus.
روحاني للكاظمي: نرفض اعمال الجماعات المخلة بأمن بلدكم elaph.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from elaph.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.