The Turkish army on Saturday launched a new ground and air offensive against outlawed Kurdish militants' bases in northern Iraq, officials and local media reported.

Turkish media said commando forces landed in the Metina region from helicopters while warplanes dropped bombs on Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) targets.

"Heroic commandos of the heroic Turkish Armed Forces are in northern Iraq," the defence ministry said in a tweet without specifying how many soldiers were involved.

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-arabia-and-iran-held-talks-aimed-at-easing-tensions-378719/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkish television showed images of paratroopers jumping from helicopters and camouflaged soldiers firing guns.

The PKK, listed as a terror group by Turkey and much of the international community, has for decades used Iraq's northern mountains as a springboard for its decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.&nbsp;

The Turkish army regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids against PKK bases in northern Iraq.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dubbed this one "Operation Claw-Lightning".

Speaking to the operation's command centre by video link, Erdogan said the offensive's objective was "to completely end the presence of the terror threat ... along our southern borders".

"There's no room for the separatist terror group in the future of Turkey, Iraq or Syria," he said in reference to the Kurdish militants.

"We will keep on fighting until we eradicate these gangs of murderers, who cause nothing but tears and destruction."

In February, Turkey launched an operation dubbed "Claw-Eagle 2" against PKK rebels holed up in the northern Iraqi region of Dohuk.

That raid created controversy because it was designed in part to rescue 12 Turkish soldiers and an Iraqi held captive by the PKK in a cave.

Turkey accused the PKK of executing the 13 men before they could be freed, and Erdogan came under attack for poorly planning the offensive from opposition parties in parliament.

The February raid also created problems in Turkey's relations with Iran, which now has a strong political and military presence in Iraq, and which treats Erdogan's regional campaigns with suspicion.

Iran's ambassador warned in February that Turkish forces should not pose a threat or violate Iraqi soil, prompting Ankara and Tehran to each summon the other's ambassador.&nbsp;

The Kurdish insurgency against the Turkish state is believed to have killed tens of thousands of people since being launched in 1984.

The Turkish army on Saturday launched a new ground and air offensive against outlawed Kurdish militants' bases in northern Iraq, officials and local media reported.

The Turkish army on Saturday launched a new ground and air offensive against outlawed Kurdish militants' bases in northern Iraq, officials and local media reported. Turkish media said commando forces landed in the Metina region from helicopters while warplanes dropped bombs on Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) targets. "Heroic commandos of the heroic Turkish Armed Forces are in northern Iraq," the defence ministry said in a tweet without specifying how many soldiers were involved. Watch | Turkish television showed images of paratroopers jumping from helicopters and camouflaged soldiers firing guns. The PKK, listed as a terror group by Turkey and much of the international community, has for decades used Iraq's northern mountains as a springboard for its decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state. The Turkish army regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids against PKK bases in northern Iraq. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dubbed this one "Operation Claw-Lightning". Speaking to the operation's command centre by video link, Erdogan said the offensive's objective was "to completely end the presence of the terror threat ... along our southern borders". "There's no room for the separatist terror group in the future of Turkey, Iraq or Syria," he said in reference to the Kurdish militants. "We will keep on fighting until we eradicate these gangs of murderers, who cause nothing but tears and destruction." In February, Turkey launched an operation dubbed "Claw-Eagle 2" against PKK rebels holed up in the northern Iraqi region of Dohuk. That raid created controversy because it was designed in part to rescue 12 Turkish soldiers and an Iraqi held captive by the PKK in a cave. Turkey accused the PKK of executing the 13 men before they could be freed, and Erdogan came under attack for poorly planning the offensive from opposition parties in parliament. The February raid also created problems in Turkey's relations with Iran, which now has a strong political and military presence in Iraq, and which treats Erdogan's regional campaigns with suspicion. Iran's ambassador warned in February that Turkish forces should not pose a threat or violate Iraqi soil, prompting Ankara and Tehran to each summon the other's ambassador. The Kurdish insurgency against the Turkish state is believed to have killed tens of thousands of people since being launched in 1984.

Turkey launches new raid in northern Iraq

Iran's Fireign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarid will visit Iraq and Qatar on Sunday, his ministry announced on Saturday. This development came amid reports of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia being brokered by Iraq. The talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Iraqi capital earlier this month were aimed at restoring relations between the two countries that were severed five years ago.

The talks were at the level of officials and not ministers.

Tehran has neither confirmed nor denied the reports saying only that it has "always welcomed" dialogue with Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has flatly denied them.

Foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Zarif's visits to Qatar and Iraq are "in the framework of developing bilateral ties (and) regional and trans-regional talks."

The Baghdad talks, brokered by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, remained secret until the Financial Times reported last weekend that a first meeting had been held on April 9, with another planned for shortly after.

An Iraqi government official confirmed the meeting to AFP, while a Western diplomat said he was "briefed in advance that talks would happen" with the "purpose to help broker a better relationship between Iran and Saudi and decrease tensions".

The meetings came amid talks in Vienna between Iran and major powers on the mechanics of a US return to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal abandoned by president Donald Trump.

The talks must also address Iran's own return to full compliance with the deal, after it suspended its implementation of several key provisions in protest at Trump's reimposition of sweeping economic sanctions. 
Tehran has rejected calls by Riyadh to be involved in the nuclear negotiations, but has repeatedly stated its readiness to conduct a regional dialogue.

Tehran and Riyadh are on opposing sides in conflicts from Syria to Yemen and have had strained relations since the kingdom cut diplomatic ties in 2016.

Some Gulf states have followed Saudi Arabia in taking a tough line on Iran.

But Qatar has maintained warm relations despite the appeals of Saudi Arabia and its allies, which cited it as one of the reasons for imposing a blockade on the gas-rich emirate in 2017.

That rift now appears to have healed after Qatar was invited to a meeting in Saudi Arabia in January at which it was brought back into the regional fold. 
&nbsp;

Iran's Fireign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarid will visit Iraq and Qatar on Sunday, his ministry announced on Saturday. This development came amid reports of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia being brokered by Iraq.

Iran's Fireign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarid will visit Iraq and Qatar on Sunday, his ministry announced on Saturday. This development came amid reports of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia being brokered by Iraq. The talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Iraqi capital earlier this month were aimed at restoring relations between the two countries that were severed five years ago. The talks were at the level of officials and not ministers. Tehran has neither confirmed nor denied the reports saying only that it has "always welcomed" dialogue with Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has flatly denied them. Foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Zarif's visits to Qatar and Iraq are "in the framework of developing bilateral ties (and) regional and trans-regional talks." The Baghdad talks, brokered by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, remained secret until the Financial Times reported last weekend that a first meeting had been held on April 9, with another planned for shortly after. An Iraqi government official confirmed the meeting to AFP, while a Western diplomat said he was "briefed in advance that talks would happen" with the "purpose to help broker a better relationship between Iran and Saudi and decrease tensions". The meetings came amid talks in Vienna between Iran and major powers on the mechanics of a US return to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal abandoned by president Donald Trump. The talks must also address Iran's own return to full compliance with the deal, after it suspended its implementation of several key provisions in protest at Trump's reimposition of sweeping economic sanctions. Tehran has rejected calls by Riyadh to be involved in the nuclear negotiations, but has repeatedly stated its readiness to conduct a regional dialogue. Tehran and Riyadh are on opposing sides in conflicts from Syria to Yemen and have had strained relations since the kingdom cut diplomatic ties in 2016. Some Gulf states have followed Saudi Arabia in taking a tough line on Iran. But Qatar has maintained warm relations despite the appeals of Saudi Arabia and its allies, which cited it as one of the reasons for imposing a blockade on the gas-rich emirate in 2017. That rift now appears to have healed after Qatar was invited to a meeting in Saudi Arabia in January at which it was brought back into the regional fold.

Zarif to visit Iraq and Qatar on Sunday

Five rockets targeted Sunday an Iraqi airbase hosting US soldiers and at least two projectiles hit the facilities of an American firm that provides maintenance to planes, a security source said.

The rockets targeted Balad airbase north of Balad, and two crashed into a dormitory and a canteen of US company Sallyport, the source told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-hit-near-iraq-airbase-hosting-us-soldiers-375332" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-hit-near-iraq-airbase-hosting-us-soldiers-375332&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGyLzrsIjwAhVL63MBHZ2wBPcQFjAJegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hXu8Q7eem4qX9PqiP7WuV" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-hit-near-iraq-airbase-hosting-us-soldiers-375332" target="_blank">Rockets hit near&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;airbase hosting US soldiers</a>

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the United States routinely blames Iran-linked Iraqi factions for such attacks on its troops and diplomats.

It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties.

F-16 aircraft are stationed at the Balad airbase north of Baghdad, and several maintenance companies are present there, employing Iraqi and foreign staff.

There have been around 20 bomb or rocket attacks against American interests, including bases hosting US soldiers, since US President Joe Biden took office in January.

Five rockets targeted Sunday an Iraqi airbase hosting US soldiers and at least two projectiles hit the facilities of an American firm that provides maintenance to planes, a security source said.

Five rockets targeted Sunday an Iraqi airbase hosting US soldiers and at least two projectiles hit the facilities of an American firm that provides maintenance to planes, a security source said. The rockets targeted Balad airbase north of Balad, and two crashed into a dormitory and a canteen of US company Sallyport, the source told AFP. Also read | Rockets hit near Iraq airbase hosting US soldiers There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the United States routinely blames Iran-linked Iraqi factions for such attacks on its troops and diplomats. It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties. F-16 aircraft are stationed at the Balad airbase north of Baghdad, and several maintenance companies are present there, employing Iraqi and foreign staff. There have been around 20 bomb or rocket attacks against American interests, including bases hosting US soldiers, since US President Joe Biden took office in January.

Five rockets target Iraq base hosting Americans: security source

A powerful explosion has rocked east Baghdad on Thursday, killing one person and injuring 12 others. The cause of the blast in the Baghdad's Sadr City area is not immediately known.

Powerful explosion rocks east Baghdad, 1 killed and 12 injured

The transition of US and other international forces away from combat operations to training, equipping, and assisting the ISF (Iraq Security Forces) reflects the success of their strategic partnership

No timeline for withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

Wrapped in thick light blue body armour, heavy helmets, and clear protective face shields, a team of women fan out across the rugged fields of Basra province to clear landmines. They are the first all-women demining team in Basra.

Meet the women braving Iraq's minefields in Basra

Just three days ahead of a strategic dialogue with US, two rockets hit near an Iraqi airbase that hosts US soldiers. The base is located north of Baghdad.

No immediate claim of responsibility for the attack was received. No casualties or property damage has been reported.&nbsp;

Sunday's was the 14th attack against American interests -- including troops, the Baghdad embassy or Iraqi supply convoys to foreign forces -- since US President Joe Biden took office in January.

Two Americans and an Iraqi civilian have been killed in the attacks.&nbsp;

An Iraqi civilian working for a firm maintaining US fighter jets for the Iraqi airforce was also wounded in one attack.

Such operations are claimed by obscure groups experts say are smokescreens for Iranian-backed organisations long present in Iraq.

Qais al-Khazali, a senior pro-Iran figure in the state-sponsored Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, recently declared that the "resistance" was carrying out attacks and would step them up "unless the US withdraws all its combat forces from across Iraq".

The latest attack came as Washington prepares to launch a strategic dialogue with the government of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who has regularly received threats from pro-Iran factions.

Kadhemi faces the delicate task of balancing the interests of neighbouring Iran and the US, arch-rivals who are both deeply involved in Iraqi politics.

(With AFP inputs)

Just three days ahead of a strategic dialogue with US, two rockets hit near an Iraqi airbase that hosts US soldiers. The base is located north of Baghdad. No immediate claim of responsibility for the attack was received.

Just three days ahead of a strategic dialogue with US, two rockets hit near an Iraqi airbase that hosts US soldiers. The base is located north of Baghdad. No immediate claim of responsibility for the attack was received. No casualties or property damage has been reported. Sunday's was the 14th attack against American interests -- including troops, the Baghdad embassy or Iraqi supply convoys to foreign forces -- since US President Joe Biden took office in January. Two Americans and an Iraqi civilian have been killed in the attacks. An Iraqi civilian working for a firm maintaining US fighter jets for the Iraqi airforce was also wounded in one attack. Such operations are claimed by obscure groups experts say are smokescreens for Iranian-backed organisations long present in Iraq. Qais al-Khazali, a senior pro-Iran figure in the state-sponsored Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, recently declared that the "resistance" was carrying out attacks and would step them up "unless the US withdraws all its combat forces from across Iraq". The latest attack came as Washington prepares to launch a strategic dialogue with the government of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who has regularly received threats from pro-Iran factions. Kadhemi faces the delicate task of balancing the interests of neighbouring Iran and the US, arch-rivals who are both deeply involved in Iraqi politics. (With AFP inputs)

Rockets hit near Iraq airbase hosting US soldiers

A baby born in Iraq has gone down&nbsp;in medical history for being born with three penises. Doctors say this is a record of the first case of the rare anomaly.

The parents of the three-month-old baby, from Iraq's Dohuk region, brought him to the hospital due to swelling in the scrotum -- and what they said were “skin projections”.

After an examination, the “skin projections” were found to be two extra penises. The second penis was about 2cm in length and was attached to the root of the first penis. The third penis was about 1cm in length and was below the scrotum.

The doctors later decided to surgically remove the two additional phalluses as they didn’t have urethras -- the tube that urine passes through.

The formerly triphallic child was declared hale and hearty in a follow-up appointment, per the case research&nbsp;report.

Doctors have yet to pinpoint the cause of the phallic deformity, but they have linked it to other congenital aberrations.

No cases of Triphallia have ever been reported until the boy’s anomaly became known, doctors say. 
&nbsp;

A baby born in Iraq has gone down in medical history for being born with three penises. Doctors say this is a record of the first case of the rare anomaly. The parents of the three-month-old baby, from Iraq's Dohuk region, brought him to the hospital due to swelling in the scrotum -- and what they said were “skin projections”.

A baby born in Iraq has gone down in medical history for being born with three penises. Doctors say this is a record of the first case of the rare anomaly. The parents of the three-month-old baby, from Iraq's Dohuk region, brought him to the hospital due to swelling in the scrotum -- and what they said were “skin projections”. After an examination, the “skin projections” were found to be two extra penises. The second penis was about 2cm in length and was attached to the root of the first penis. The third penis was about 1cm in length and was below the scrotum. The doctors later decided to surgically remove the two additional phalluses as they didn’t have urethras -- the tube that urine passes through. The formerly triphallic child was declared hale and hearty in a follow-up appointment, per the case research report. Doctors have yet to pinpoint the cause of the phallic deformity, but they have linked it to other congenital aberrations. No cases of Triphallia have ever been reported until the boy’s anomaly became known, doctors say.

Baby born in Iraq with three penises makes medical history

Iraq and Saudi Arabia signed five agreements during a visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Riyadh and discovered the financial, commercial, economic culture and media fields.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign  agreements during Kadhimi's visit to Riyadh

Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi vowed on Wednesday that his country will never&nbsp;become a launchpad for attacks on Saudi Arabia, during a long-awaited visit to the kingdom aimed at forging closer economic and security ties.

In January, explosive-laden drones had crashed into the main royal palace in Riyadh, with American media citing US officials as saying they were launched from neighbouring Iraq.

Saudi officials did not publicly disclose any details on the reported attack on the sprawling Al-Yamama complex, the official residence and office of King Salman as well as the main base of the royal court.

But the news raised alarm in a country that has frequently come under missile and drone attacks from Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen, where Riyadh-backed forces are engaged in a six-year conflict.

A relatively unknown militant group in Iraq calling itself the Righteous Promise Brigade claimed responsibility for the strike, but it was considered by security experts to be a front for more entrenched Iran-backed militias.

Kadhemi said the group's claim was "not true" and insisted that the attack was not launched from Iraq.

"We will not allow any attack on the kingdom," he told reporters after what his aides described as an hours-long meeting with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"There haven't been any attacks" from Iraq.

"There have been attempts by some to... disrupt relations" between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, he added, without elaborating.

Known to maintain close personal ties with Prince Mohammed, Kadhemi walks a diplomatic tightrope as Baghdad often finds itself caught in the tug of war between Tehran and its rivals Riyadh and Washington.

Kadhemi's trip comes after the countries reopened their Arar land border crossing in November for the first time since Riyadh cut off diplomatic ties with Baghdad in 1990, following Iraqi ex-dictator Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait.

Aside from a discussion on border security, the Iraqi premier said he and his delegation of senior ministers sought to further boost trade and economic cooperation with the kingdom during a day-long visit to Riyadh.

Iraq and Saudi Arabia signed five agreements on&nbsp;financial, commercial, economic, cultural and media fields.

Separately, the Saudi state news agency (SPA) said the kingdom’s investments in Iraq were expected to rise to 10 billion riyal ($2.67 billion) from a little over 2 billion riyal ($533.29 million) now.

“There are a number of Saudi companies investing in Iraq and there is a real desire for a number of others to expand their investments there,” SPA said.

“The Saudi side is keen on additional investments that are expected to reach 10 billion riyal in various sectors.”

SPA added that Riyadh “considers positively” Iraqi calls for an increase in Saudi investment, especially in energy, water desalination and food industries.

Iraq is the second-largest producer in the OPEC oil cartel, outranked only by Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Kadhemi, whose government has sought to fast-track foreign investment including Saudi support for energy and agriculture, is pushing for deeper cooperation with Riyadh.

Kadhemi was scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on his first foreign trip as prime minister last July, but the visit was cancelled at the last minute when King Salman was hospitalised for surgery to remove his gall bladder.

His trip to Tehran, Riyadh's arch-rival, went ahead, with the premier meeting Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

&nbsp;

Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi vowed on Wednesday that his country will never become a launchpad for attacks on Saudi Arabia, during a long-awaited visit to the kingdom aimed at forging closer economic and security ties.

Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi vowed on Wednesday that his country will never become a launchpad for attacks on Saudi Arabia, during a long-awaited visit to the kingdom aimed at forging closer economic and security ties. In January, explosive-laden drones had crashed into the main royal palace in Riyadh, with American media citing US officials as saying they were launched from neighbouring Iraq. Saudi officials did not publicly disclose any details on the reported attack on the sprawling Al-Yamama complex, the official residence and office of King Salman as well as the main base of the royal court. But the news raised alarm in a country that has frequently come under missile and drone attacks from Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen, where Riyadh-backed forces are engaged in a six-year conflict. A relatively unknown militant group in Iraq calling itself the Righteous Promise Brigade claimed responsibility for the strike, but it was considered by security experts to be a front for more entrenched Iran-backed militias. Kadhemi said the group's claim was "not true" and insisted that the attack was not launched from Iraq. "We will not allow any attack on the kingdom," he told reporters after what his aides described as an hours-long meeting with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "There haven't been any attacks" from Iraq. "There have been attempts by some to... disrupt relations" between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, he added, without elaborating. Known to maintain close personal ties with Prince Mohammed, Kadhemi walks a diplomatic tightrope as Baghdad often finds itself caught in the tug of war between Tehran and its rivals Riyadh and Washington. Kadhemi's trip comes after the countries reopened their Arar land border crossing in November for the first time since Riyadh cut off diplomatic ties with Baghdad in 1990, following Iraqi ex-dictator Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. Aside from a discussion on border security, the Iraqi premier said he and his delegation of senior ministers sought to further boost trade and economic cooperation with the kingdom during a day-long visit to Riyadh. Iraq and Saudi Arabia signed five agreements on financial, commercial, economic, cultural and media fields. Separately, the Saudi state news agency (SPA) said the kingdom’s investments in Iraq were expected to rise to 10 billion riyal ($2.67 billion) from a little over 2 billion riyal ($533.29 million) now. “There are a number of Saudi companies investing in Iraq and there is a real desire for a number of others to expand their investments there,” SPA said. “The Saudi side is keen on additional investments that are expected to reach 10 billion riyal in various sectors.” SPA added that Riyadh “considers positively” Iraqi calls for an increase in Saudi investment, especially in energy, water desalination and food industries. Iraq is the second-largest producer in the OPEC oil cartel, outranked only by Saudi Arabia. Kadhemi, whose government has sought to fast-track foreign investment including Saudi support for energy and agriculture, is pushing for deeper cooperation with Riyadh. Kadhemi was scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on his first foreign trip as prime minister last July, but the visit was cancelled at the last minute when King Salman was hospitalised for surgery to remove his gall bladder. His trip to Tehran, Riyadh's arch-rival, went ahead, with the premier meeting Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iraq PM pledges country will never become launchpad for attacks on Saudi Arabia

Tonight on #TheWestAsiaPost with Ghadi Francis + A historic papal visit to Iraq + @Pontifex preaches love and peace + Saudi-Houthi tit-for-tat attacks escalate + Women shatter glass ceilings in West Asia

The West Asia Post: A historic papal visit to Iraq

During his visit to Iraq, The Pope travelled 1400 kilometres - covering 4 cities in 3 days. The pontiff's hoped to heal some of the wounds of the war with his visit - and bridge the gap between Iraq's Muslims and Christians. Did he succeed?

Gravitas: The legacy of the Pope's visit to Iraq

Pope Francis celebrated mass in front of 10,000 people in the Iraqi Kurdish capital of Erbil, following visits earlier in the day to Mosul and the Christian town of Qaraqosh. It was the final full day of the pope's much-anticipated visit to Iraq.

Pope Francis holds mass in Erbil before wrapping up Iraq visit

Pope Francis ended his historic tour of Iraq on Monday, departing by plane from Baghdad after visiting conflict-torn cities, meeting Muslim and Christian leaders and preaching peace and coexistence over war.

Francis waved one last time before boarding a plane flying the Vatican and Iraqi flags from its cockpit windows. President Barham Salih accompanied the 84-year-old pontiff down a red carpet to his flight.

During Francis's trip, the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, he toured four cities, including Mosul, the former Islamic State stronghold where vast areas still lie in ruins, telling Iraqis that "peace is more powerful than war."

He said Iraq would "always remain with me, in my heart".

The pontiff, who walked with a limp during parts of the frantic tour, also made a historical first in meeting Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's top Shia Muslim cleric.

Iraqis welcomed the pope and said it was a chance for the world to see their perpetually crisis-hit nation in a new light.

Iraq suffers from chronic mismanagement and corruption, and a steady level of violence often linked to the region's US-Iran rivalry 18 years after the United States invaded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis ended his historic tour of Iraq on Monday, departing by plane from Baghdad after visiting conflict-torn cities, meeting Muslim and Christian leaders and preaching peace and coexistence over war.

Pope Francis ended his historic tour of Iraq on Monday, departing by plane from Baghdad after visiting conflict-torn cities, meeting Muslim and Christian leaders and preaching peace and coexistence over war. Francis waved one last time before boarding a plane flying the Vatican and Iraqi flags from its cockpit windows. President Barham Salih accompanied the 84-year-old pontiff down a red carpet to his flight. During Francis's trip, the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, he toured four cities, including Mosul, the former Islamic State stronghold where vast areas still lie in ruins, telling Iraqis that "peace is more powerful than war." He said Iraq would "always remain with me, in my heart". The pontiff, who walked with a limp during parts of the frantic tour, also made a historical first in meeting Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's top Shia Muslim cleric. Iraqis welcomed the pope and said it was a chance for the world to see their perpetually crisis-hit nation in a new light. Iraq suffers from chronic mismanagement and corruption, and a steady level of violence often linked to the region's US-Iran rivalry 18 years after the United States invaded. (With inputs from agencies)

'Peace is more powerful than war': Pope Francis ends epic Iraq tour

Pope Francis ended his historic tour of Iraq on Monday, departing by plane from Baghdad after visiting conflict-torn cities, meeting Muslim and Christian leaders and preaching peace and coexistence over war. Here's everything you need to know about the first-ever papal visit to Iraq.

Historic Iraq visit of Pope Francis: All you need to know

Pope Francis holds mass in St Joseph Cathedral in Iraq

Pope Francis on Sunday promised thousands who had gathered for mass in the Kurdish regional capital Erbil that he would keep Iraq in his heart.

Erbil, or Arbil, is the last public event of his historic trip to Iraq.

"In my time among you, I have heard voices of sorrow and loss, but also voices of hope and consolation," he said. "Now the time draws near for my return to Rome. Yet Iraq will always remain with me, in my heart."

This was the&nbsp;largest mass of the pope's&nbsp;historic Iraq trip -- which he held after visiting war-scarred cities to comfort Christian survivors of the Islamic State group's reign of terror.

The pontiff was greeted by thousands when he arrived at the&nbsp;sports stadium in the Kurdistan region's capital.

The faithful wore hats featuring pictures of Francis, and face-masks to protect them from Covid, as a second wave has driven up cases to around 5,000 new infections per day in Iraq.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-prays-for-victims-of-war-in-mosul-a-former-islamic-state-stronghold-in-iraq-368586">Also read |&nbsp;Pope Francis prays for 'victims of war' in Mosul, a former Islamic State stronghold in Iraq</a>

Erbil has been a place of refuge for many Christians who fled violence over the years, including the onslaught from 2014 by the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

The heaviest deployment of security personnel yet is protecting Francis in northern Iraq, on what is perhaps the riskiest day of his historic trip. The visit to the north embodies a cause close to the pope's heart: reaching out to Iraq's traumatised Christian community.&nbsp;

Pope Francis on Sunday first visited Mosul, the onetime bastion of the Islamic State group, still largely in ruins, and pleaded for Christians in Iraq and the Middle East to stay in their homelands. There, he said the "tragic" exodus of Christians "does incalculable harm not just to the individuals and communities concerned, but also to the society they leave behind".&nbsp;

Francis spoke to the faithful in the courtyard of the Al-Tahera Church, whose roof collapsed during fighting against IS in 2017. It is one of the oldest of at least 14 churches in Nineveh province that were destroyed by the jihadists.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-media-hails-pope-sistani-meeting-as-chance-for-peace-368655">Also read |&nbsp;Iranian media hails Pope-Sistani meeting as chance for peace</a>

The pontiff also held a prayer service in Qaraqosh, whose ancient church – named Al-Tahera, like the one in Mosul – was torched by the jihadists as they destroyed most of the town.&nbsp;

Pope Francis's trip to Iraq as a "pilgrim of peace" aims to reassure the country's dwindling Christian community, but also to expand his dialogue with other religions.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics met Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric, the reclusive Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, who agreed that Iraq's Christians should be able to live in "peace".

(with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday promised thousands who had gathered for mass in the Kurdish regional capital Erbil that he would keep Iraq in his heart. Erbil, or Arbil, is the last public event of his historic trip to Iraq.

Pope Francis on Sunday promised thousands who had gathered for mass in the Kurdish regional capital Erbil that he would keep Iraq in his heart. Erbil, or Arbil, is the last public event of his historic trip to Iraq. "In my time among you, I have heard voices of sorrow and loss, but also voices of hope and consolation," he said. "Now the time draws near for my return to Rome. Yet Iraq will always remain with me, in my heart." This was the largest mass of the pope's historic Iraq trip -- which he held after visiting war-scarred cities to comfort Christian survivors of the Islamic State group's reign of terror. The pontiff was greeted by thousands when he arrived at the sports stadium in the Kurdistan region's capital. The faithful wore hats featuring pictures of Francis, and face-masks to protect them from Covid, as a second wave has driven up cases to around 5,000 new infections per day in Iraq. Also read | Pope Francis prays for 'victims of war' in Mosul, a former Islamic State stronghold in Iraq Erbil has been a place of refuge for many Christians who fled violence over the years, including the onslaught from 2014 by the Islamic State group. The heaviest deployment of security personnel yet is protecting Francis in northern Iraq, on what is perhaps the riskiest day of his historic trip. The visit to the north embodies a cause close to the pope's heart: reaching out to Iraq's traumatised Christian community. Pope Francis on Sunday first visited Mosul, the onetime bastion of the Islamic State group, still largely in ruins, and pleaded for Christians in Iraq and the Middle East to stay in their homelands. There, he said the "tragic" exodus of Christians "does incalculable harm not just to the individuals and communities concerned, but also to the society they leave behind". Francis spoke to the faithful in the courtyard of the Al-Tahera Church, whose roof collapsed during fighting against IS in 2017. It is one of the oldest of at least 14 churches in Nineveh province that were destroyed by the jihadists. Also read | Iranian media hails Pope-Sistani meeting as chance for peace The pontiff also held a prayer service in Qaraqosh, whose ancient church – named Al-Tahera, like the one in Mosul – was torched by the jihadists as they destroyed most of the town. Pope Francis's trip to Iraq as a "pilgrim of peace" aims to reassure the country's dwindling Christian community, but also to expand his dialogue with other religions. On Saturday, the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics met Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric, the reclusive Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, who agreed that Iraq's Christians should be able to live in "peace". (with inputs from agencies)

'Iraq will always remain with me,' Pope Francis vows in Erbil

In Erbil, thousands attend largest mass of Pope's historic trip to Iraq

Pope Francis is in Iraq for a landmark 4-day tour. This is Pope's 1st international trip since the COVID-19 pandemic started. He visited an ancient church torched by the Islamic State group.

Pope's Iraq Visit: Pope Francis honours conflict victims in Mosul

Pope Francis is in Iraq for a landmark four-day tour. This is Pope's first international trip since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Pope Francis will visit the former ISIS stronghold Mosul on Sunday. Pope will also meet the local Christian community.

Pope Francis will visit the former ISIS stronghold Mosul on Sunday

Pope Francis began a historic meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on Saturday, in a powerful appeal for coexistence in a land torn by sectarianism and violence

Pope Francis holds historic meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric

In a landmark moment in modern religious history, Pope Francis met top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in Iraq on Saturday. The two leaders met at the latter's home in the shrine city of Najaf. The meeting came on the second day of first-ever papal visit to Iraq.

When Pope Francis landed at the Najaf airport, posters had been set up featuring a famous saying by Ali, the fourth caliph and the Prophet Mohammed's relative, who is buried in the holy city.&nbsp;

"People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity," read the banners. &nbsp;

A convoy of cars took the Pope into the Old City. Extremely tight security measures were in place.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-is-on-historic-trip-to-iraq-368381/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

No press were allowed inside the meeting as the 90-year-old grand ayatollah is highly reclusive and almost never seen in public.

The visit is one of the highlights of Francis's four-day trip to war-scarred Iraq, where Sistani has played a key role in tamping down tensions in recent decades.&nbsp;

It took months of careful negotiations between Najaf and the Vatican to secure the one-on-one meeting.

"We feel proud of what this visit represents and we thank those who made it possible," said Mohamed Ali Bahr al-Ulum, a senior cleric in Najaf.

'High moral authority'

Pope Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith efforts, has met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

Sistani, meanwhile, is followed by most of the world's 200 million Shiites -- a minority among Muslims but the majority in Iraq -- and is a national figure for Iraqis.

"Ali Sistani is a religious leader with a high moral authority," said Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, the head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and a specialist in Islamic studies.

Sistani began his religious studies at the age of five, climbing through the ranks of Shiite clergy to grand ayatollah in the 1990s.

While Saddam Hussein was in power, he languished under house arrest for years, but emerged after the US-led invasion toppled the repressive regime in 2003 to play an unprecedented public role.&nbsp;

In 2019, he stood with Iraqi protesters demanding better public services and rejecting external interference in Iraq's domestic affairs.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

In a landmark moment in modern religious history, Pope Francis met top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in Iraq on Saturday. The two leaders met at the latter's home in the shrine city of Najaf.

In a landmark moment in modern religious history, Pope Francis met top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in Iraq on Saturday. The two leaders met at the latter's home in the shrine city of Najaf. The meeting came on the second day of first-ever papal visit to Iraq. When Pope Francis landed at the Najaf airport, posters had been set up featuring a famous saying by Ali, the fourth caliph and the Prophet Mohammed's relative, who is buried in the holy city. "People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity," read the banners. A convoy of cars took the Pope into the Old City. Extremely tight security measures were in place. × No press were allowed inside the meeting as the 90-year-old grand ayatollah is highly reclusive and almost never seen in public. The visit is one of the highlights of Francis's four-day trip to war-scarred Iraq, where Sistani has played a key role in tamping down tensions in recent decades. It took months of careful negotiations between Najaf and the Vatican to secure the one-on-one meeting. "We feel proud of what this visit represents and we thank those who made it possible," said Mohamed Ali Bahr al-Ulum, a senior cleric in Najaf. 'High moral authority' Pope Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith efforts, has met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Sistani, meanwhile, is followed by most of the world's 200 million Shiites -- a minority among Muslims but the majority in Iraq -- and is a national figure for Iraqis. "Ali Sistani is a religious leader with a high moral authority," said Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, the head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and a specialist in Islamic studies. Sistani began his religious studies at the age of five, climbing through the ranks of Shiite clergy to grand ayatollah in the 1990s. While Saddam Hussein was in power, he languished under house arrest for years, but emerged after the US-led invasion toppled the repressive regime in 2003 to play an unprecedented public role. In 2019, he stood with Iraqi protesters demanding better public services and rejecting external interference in Iraq's domestic affairs. (With AFP inputs)

Historic moment: Pope Francis meets top Shiite religious leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in Iraq

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Syria Kurds hand 12 children to their Iraqi Yazidi mothers 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Syria's Kurds have handed back 12 children of alleged Islamic State members to their mothers from Iraq's Yazidi minority, a Kurdish official said Friday.

"The children, aged two to five, were all born to Yazidi mothers and fathered by IS members. They were handed over to their mothers" on Thursday, said Syrian Kurdish official Zeyneb Saroukhan.

Dozens of Yazidi women and girls survived sex slavery at the hands of IS jihadists in Syria and have since returned to Iraq, but many were forced to leave their children behind or risk being shunned by their community.

Saroukhan said this was the first time children had been given back to their mothers.

IS abducted thousands of Yazidi women and girls from their ancestral Iraqi home of Sinjar in 2014, then enslaved, raped, or married them off by force to jihadists, including in neighbouring Syria.

US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters say they have rescued dozens during their years of battles against IS that led to their 2019 territorial defeat.&nbsp;

But while the Yazidi community welcomed those survivors&nbsp;back to&nbsp;northern Iraq, that compassion was not extended to their children.

Saroukhan said it had been the Syrian Kurdish authorities' duty to look after the children until their mothers asked for them.

Yazidi women and children have previously returned from Syria to Iraq, but many of those abducted remain missing. &nbsp;

In May last year, a then 17-year-old Yazidi girl abducted by IS returned to Iraq after the coronavirus lockdown in Syria delayed her homecoming.

In 2019, Syria's Kurds repatriated 25 women and children.

Syria Kurds hand 12 children to their Iraqi Yazidi mothers Syria's Kurds have handed back 12 children of alleged Islamic State members to their mothers from Iraq's Yazidi minority, a Kurdish official said Friday.

Syria Kurds hand 12 children to their Iraqi Yazidi mothers Syria's Kurds have handed back 12 children of alleged Islamic State members to their mothers from Iraq's Yazidi minority, a Kurdish official said Friday. "The children, aged two to five, were all born to Yazidi mothers and fathered by IS members. They were handed over to their mothers" on Thursday, said Syrian Kurdish official Zeyneb Saroukhan. Dozens of Yazidi women and girls survived sex slavery at the hands of IS jihadists in Syria and have since returned to Iraq, but many were forced to leave their children behind or risk being shunned by their community. Saroukhan said this was the first time children had been given back to their mothers. IS abducted thousands of Yazidi women and girls from their ancestral Iraqi home of Sinjar in 2014, then enslaved, raped, or married them off by force to jihadists, including in neighbouring Syria. US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters say they have rescued dozens during their years of battles against IS that led to their 2019 territorial defeat. But while the Yazidi community welcomed those survivors back to northern Iraq, that compassion was not extended to their children. Saroukhan said it had been the Syrian Kurdish authorities' duty to look after the children until their mothers asked for them. Yazidi women and children have previously returned from Syria to Iraq, but many of those abducted remain missing. In May last year, a then 17-year-old Yazidi girl abducted by IS returned to Iraq after the coronavirus lockdown in Syria delayed her homecoming. In 2019, Syria's Kurds repatriated 25 women and children.

Syria Kurds hand 12 children to their Iraqi Yazidi mothers

Pope Francis is on a four-day visit to Iraq and during this historic visit the head of the Catholic church will be paying a visit to cities of Islamic State. People in Qaraqosh city is eagerly waiting for Pop's visit. They have also made some rare and special gifts for the Head Priest.

Pope Francis is on historic trip to Iraq

Pope Francis has landed in Baghdad. The first-ever visit by a pope to Iraq. On Day 1, he received a grand welcome at the Presidential palace. On Day 2 he will meet the spiritual leader of Iraq's Shia community.

Gravitas: The Pope's Iraq visit

Delegations from different religious groups waited in a scenic seating area, nearby the ancient site of Ur, for Pope Francis' convoy to arrive.

Pope arrives at ancient site of Ur for inter-religious meeting

Pope Francis Friday began his historic foreign trip, flying into Iraq amid the tightest security ever seen for a papal visit. The country has deployed thousands of security personnel to protect him during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks and a spike in COVID-19 cases.

In Iraq, the pope appealed to the country's leaders and people to end militant violence and religious strife. Even before he landed, he told reporters on his plane that he felt duty-bound to make what he called an "emblematic" trip despite the difficulties because the country "has been martyred for so many years".

At the official welcome in the presidential palace, the 84-year-old Francis made an impassioned call for Iraqi to finally give peacemakers chance.

"May the clash of arms be silenced ... may there be an end to acts of violence and extremism," he said.

President Barham Salih thanked the pope for making the first-ever papal visit to Iraq "despite the many recommendations to delay" because of the pandemic and other challenges in "our wounded country".

In his speech at the palace, Francis criticised factional and foreign interests that have destabilised Iraq and the wider region and hit ordinary people the hardest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-baghdad-on-historic-visit-to-iraq-368229">Also read |&nbsp;Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on historic visit to Iraq</a>

"Iraq has suffered the disastrous effects of wars, the scourge of terrorism and sectarian conflicts often grounded in a fundamentalism incapable of accepting the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups," Francis said.

He later paid tribute to people killed in attacks motivated by religion, visiting a Baghdad church where Islamist gunmen killed about 50 worshippers in 2010.

Their deaths were a reminder that "violence or the shedding of blood are incompatible with authentic religious teachings", he said.

Iraq's security has improved since the defeat of Islamic State in 2017, but the country continues to be a theatre for global and regional score-settling, especially a bitter US-Iran rivalry that has played out on Iraqi soil.

The US invasion of 2003, after years of international sanctions and a devastating war with Iran instigated by former leader Saddam Hussein in the 1980s, plunged Iraq into sectarian conflict and chronic mismanagement that has plagued it since.

The pope's whirlwind four-day tour will take him by plane, helicopter and cars to four cities, including areas that most foreign dignitaries are unable to reach, let alone in such a short space of time.

On Saturday the pope will hold an unprecedented meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, in the southern city of Najaf. He will also visit Ur, birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, who is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, and will return to say Mass in Baghdad.

On Sunday Francis travels north to Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State, where churches and other buildings there still bear the scars of conflict.

(with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis Friday began his historic foreign trip, flying into Iraq amid the tightest security ever seen for a papal visit. The country has deployed thousands of security personnel to protect him during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks and a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Pope Francis Friday began his historic foreign trip, flying into Iraq amid the tightest security ever seen for a papal visit. The country has deployed thousands of security personnel to protect him during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks and a spike in COVID-19 cases. In Iraq, the pope appealed to the country's leaders and people to end militant violence and religious strife. Even before he landed, he told reporters on his plane that he felt duty-bound to make what he called an "emblematic" trip despite the difficulties because the country "has been martyred for so many years". At the official welcome in the presidential palace, the 84-year-old Francis made an impassioned call for Iraqi to finally give peacemakers chance. "May the clash of arms be silenced ... may there be an end to acts of violence and extremism," he said. President Barham Salih thanked the pope for making the first-ever papal visit to Iraq "despite the many recommendations to delay" because of the pandemic and other challenges in "our wounded country". In his speech at the palace, Francis criticised factional and foreign interests that have destabilised Iraq and the wider region and hit ordinary people the hardest. Also read | Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on historic visit to Iraq "Iraq has suffered the disastrous effects of wars, the scourge of terrorism and sectarian conflicts often grounded in a fundamentalism incapable of accepting the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups," Francis said. He later paid tribute to people killed in attacks motivated by religion, visiting a Baghdad church where Islamist gunmen killed about 50 worshippers in 2010. Their deaths were a reminder that "violence or the shedding of blood are incompatible with authentic religious teachings", he said. Iraq's security has improved since the defeat of Islamic State in 2017, but the country continues to be a theatre for global and regional score-settling, especially a bitter US-Iran rivalry that has played out on Iraqi soil. The US invasion of 2003, after years of international sanctions and a devastating war with Iran instigated by former leader Saddam Hussein in the 1980s, plunged Iraq into sectarian conflict and chronic mismanagement that has plagued it since. The pope's whirlwind four-day tour will take him by plane, helicopter and cars to four cities, including areas that most foreign dignitaries are unable to reach, let alone in such a short space of time. On Saturday the pope will hold an unprecedented meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, in the southern city of Najaf. He will also visit Ur, birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, who is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, and will return to say Mass in Baghdad. On Sunday Francis travels north to Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State, where churches and other buildings there still bear the scars of conflict. (with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis urges Iraq to end violence and give peace a chance

Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday&nbsp;for his riskiest foreign trip since becoming the head of the Catholic Church, having said that he felt duty-bound to make the visit because the country had suffered so much for so long.

The pope, who wore a facemask during the flight, kept it on as he descended the stairs to the tarmac of&nbsp; Baghdad's international airport and was greeted by two masked children in traditional dress.

The &nbsp;84-year-old pontiff was visibly limping in a sign that his sciatica, which has flared and forced him to cancel events recently, was possibly bothering him.&nbsp;The Alitalia plane carried him, his entourage, a security detail, and about 75 journalists.

A red carpet was rolled out on the tarmac in Baghdad's international airport with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on hand to greet him.

Iraq has deployed thousands of additional security personnel to protect the pope during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks raised fears for his safety. The Iraq trip is his first outside Italy since November 2019.

"This is an emblematic trip and it is a duty towards a land that has been martyred for so many years," Pope Francis had said.

Francis's whirlwind tour will take him by plane, helicopter and possibly armoured car to four cities. He will say Mass at a Baghdad church, meet Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric in the southern city of Najaf and travel north to Mosul, where the army had to empty the streets for security reasons last year for a visit by Iraq's prime minister.

Mosul is a former Islamic State stronghold, and churches and other buildings there still bear the scars of conflict.

Since the defeat of the Islamic State militants in 2017, Iraq has seen a greater degree of security, though violence persists, often in the form of rocket attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US targets, and American military action in response.

On Wednesday 10, rockets landed on an airbase that hosts US, coalition and Iraqi forces. Hours later, Francis reaffirmed he would travel to Iraq.

The pontiff will also visit Ur, birthplace of the prophet Abraham, who is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, and meet Iraq's revered top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, 90-year-old Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

The meeting with Sistani, who wields great influence over Iraq's Shi'ite majority and in the country's politics, will be the first by a pope.

(with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday for his riskiest foreign trip since becoming the head of the Catholic Church, having said that he felt duty-bound to make the visit because the country had suffered so much for so long.

Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday for his riskiest foreign trip since becoming the head of the Catholic Church, having said that he felt duty-bound to make the visit because the country had suffered so much for so long. The pope, who wore a facemask during the flight, kept it on as he descended the stairs to the tarmac of Baghdad's international airport and was greeted by two masked children in traditional dress. The 84-year-old pontiff was visibly limping in a sign that his sciatica, which has flared and forced him to cancel events recently, was possibly bothering him. The Alitalia plane carried him, his entourage, a security detail, and about 75 journalists. A red carpet was rolled out on the tarmac in Baghdad's international airport with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on hand to greet him. Iraq has deployed thousands of additional security personnel to protect the pope during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks raised fears for his safety. The Iraq trip is his first outside Italy since November 2019. "This is an emblematic trip and it is a duty towards a land that has been martyred for so many years," Pope Francis had said. Francis's whirlwind tour will take him by plane, helicopter and possibly armoured car to four cities. He will say Mass at a Baghdad church, meet Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric in the southern city of Najaf and travel north to Mosul, where the army had to empty the streets for security reasons last year for a visit by Iraq's prime minister. Mosul is a former Islamic State stronghold, and churches and other buildings there still bear the scars of conflict. Since the defeat of the Islamic State militants in 2017, Iraq has seen a greater degree of security, though violence persists, often in the form of rocket attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US targets, and American military action in response. On Wednesday 10, rockets landed on an airbase that hosts US, coalition and Iraqi forces. Hours later, Francis reaffirmed he would travel to Iraq. The pontiff will also visit Ur, birthplace of the prophet Abraham, who is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, and meet Iraq's revered top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, 90-year-old Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The meeting with Sistani, who wields great influence over Iraq's Shi'ite majority and in the country's politics, will be the first by a pope. (with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on historic visit to Iraq

Pope Francis has arrived in Iraq on a visit to rally the country's dwindling Christian community after decades of war.

Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad

The latest crisis facing the Joe Biden administration in Iraq. 10 rockets hit a military base which hosts American troops. What challenges will this attack throw up for President Biden? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Biden's growing challenges in West Asia

Pope Francis is all set to make his historic visit to Iraq despite Wednesday's rocket attacks. The Church organising committee in Baghdad has confirmed that the Pope is determined and is also excited about his forthcoming visit.

Pope Francis to embark on a whirlwind tour to Iraq despite rocket attacks

iraq

Iraq, News on Iraq, stories on Iraq, articles on Iraq, Iraq stories at Wion, Iraq news, Iraq latest news