Pope Francis on Sunday prayed for 'victims of war' in Iraqi city of Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State (IS) group that swept across Iraq and Syria to form a so-called 'Caliphate' in recent years. Pope prayed in a centuries-old church in Mosul, which is an ancient city. Mosul was heavily damaged as fight with Islamic State raged.

Pope Francis said that exodus&nbsp;of Christians from Iraq and West Asia "does incalculable harm not just to the individuals and communities concerned, but also to the society they leave behind." Pope landed in Mosul on Sunday. He arrived in a convoy of five helicopters and amid extremely tight security.

Sunday (March 7) is the last day of Pope's visit to Iraq, a historic development as this is first-ever papal visit to the country. The second day of Pope's Iraq visit marked a momentous occasion as he met Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, top religious leader of Shiite Muslims. Both the leaders met at Sistani's residence.

In the evening on Saturday, Pope held a mass in Baghdad's St. Joseph Cathedral. This was the first time that a Pope presided over a mass in this Cathedral.

See Pics| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pope-francis-holds-mass-in-st-joseph-cathedral-in-iraq-368572">Pope Francis holds mass in St Joseph Cathedral in Iraq</a>

The Christian community of Iraq, a Muslim-majority country of 40 million, has shrunk from 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein to only 400,000 now, about one per cent of the population.

(With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis on Sunday prayed for 'victims of war' in Iraqi city of Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State (IS) group that swept across Iraq and Syria to form a so-called 'Caliphate' in recent years.

Pope Francis on Sunday prayed for 'victims of war' in Iraqi city of Mosul, a former stronghold of Islamic State (IS) group that swept across Iraq and Syria to form a so-called 'Caliphate' in recent years. Pope prayed in a centuries-old church in Mosul, which is an ancient city. Mosul was heavily damaged as fight with Islamic State raged. Pope Francis said that exodus of Christians from Iraq and West Asia "does incalculable harm not just to the individuals and communities concerned, but also to the society they leave behind." Pope landed in Mosul on Sunday. He arrived in a convoy of five helicopters and amid extremely tight security. Sunday (March 7) is the last day of Pope's visit to Iraq, a historic development as this is first-ever papal visit to the country. The second day of Pope's Iraq visit marked a momentous occasion as he met Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, top religious leader of Shiite Muslims. Both the leaders met at Sistani's residence. In the evening on Saturday, Pope held a mass in Baghdad's St. Joseph Cathedral. This was the first time that a Pope presided over a mass in this Cathedral. See Pics| Pope Francis holds mass in St Joseph Cathedral in Iraq The Christian community of Iraq, a Muslim-majority country of 40 million, has shrunk from 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein to only 400,000 now, about one per cent of the population. (With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis prays for 'victims of war' in Mosul, a former Islamic State stronghold in Iraq

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.

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&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

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' meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shiite Islam's top clerics, on Saturday marked a landmark moment in modern religious history and in terms of the former's efforts to deepen interfaith dialogue.

In the meeting on the second day of the pope's first-ever papal visit to Iraq, Sistani told him that the country's Christians should live in "peace".

Pope Francis' meeting with the grand ayatollah in Najaf lasted 50 minutes, and Sistani's office put out a statement shortly afterwards thanking him for visiting the holy city.

Sistani "affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights," it said.

His office published an image of the two, neither wearing masks: Sistani in a black turban with his wispy grey beard reaching down to his black robe and Francis all in white, looking directly at the grand ayatollah.

Pope Francis later addressed the rich spectrum of Iraq's religious communities at Ur, traditional birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, a central figure in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, where he made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict.

The pontiff's trip to Iraq is an effort to both reassure the country's ancient but dwindling Christian community and expand his dialogue with other faiths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-moment-pope-francis-meets-top-shiite-religious-leader-grand-ayatollah-ali-sistani-in-iraq-368394">Also read | Historic moment: Pope Francis meets top Shiite religious leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in Iraq</a>

The pontiff had landed earlier at Najaf airport, where posters featured 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&nbsp;brothers&nbsp;in faith or your equals in&nbsp;humanity," read the banners. &nbsp;

Francis then headed straight to the desert site of the ancient city of Ur, where Abraham is believed to have been born in the second millenium BC.

"It all started from here," Francis said, after hearing from representatives of Iraq's diverse religious communities.

There were Yazidis, whose ancestral heartland of Sinjar was ravaged by the Islamic State (IS) group in 2014, as well as Mandeans, Kakais, Bahais and Zoroastrians.

Shiite and Sunni sheikhs, as well as Christian clerics, were there. Each was wearing their traditional religious garb, with a dozen different types of robe and headdress on display in the red-carpeted pavilion set up for the visit.

Iraq is a Muslim-majority country of 40 million whose Christian population has shrunk in the past two decades to just one percent, with minorities still complaining of ostracism and persecution.

During his address, the pope said&nbsp;freedom of conscience and of religion were "fundamental rights" that should be respected everywhere.

"We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion," Francis said, in a message of solidarity with the minorities persecuted under IS rule.

He also made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict.

"Let us ask for this in praying for the whole Middle East.&nbsp;Here I think especially of neighbouring war-torn Syria," he said.

Following the prayer service in Ur, the pope headed back to Baghdad to celebrate his first public mass in the country, at the Saint Joseph Cathedral.

Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, has earlier met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

(with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis' meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shiite Islam's top clerics, on Saturday marked a landmark moment in modern religious history and in terms of the former's efforts to deepen interfaith dialogue.

Pope Francis' meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shiite Islam's top clerics, on Saturday marked a landmark moment in modern religious history and in terms of the former's efforts to deepen interfaith dialogue. In the meeting on the second day of the pope's first-ever papal visit to Iraq, Sistani told him that the country's Christians should live in "peace". Pope Francis' meeting with the grand ayatollah in Najaf lasted 50 minutes, and Sistani's office put out a statement shortly afterwards thanking him for visiting the holy city. Sistani "affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights," it said. His office published an image of the two, neither wearing masks: Sistani in a black turban with his wispy grey beard reaching down to his black robe and Francis all in white, looking directly at the grand ayatollah. Pope Francis later addressed the rich spectrum of Iraq's religious communities at Ur, traditional birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, a central figure in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, where he made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict. The pontiff's trip to Iraq is an effort to both reassure the country's ancient but dwindling Christian community and expand his dialogue with other faiths. Also read | Historic moment: Pope Francis meets top Shiite religious leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in Iraq The pontiff had landed earlier at Najaf airport, where posters featured 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. Francis then headed straight to the desert site of the ancient city of Ur, where Abraham is believed to have been born in the second millenium BC. "It all started from here," Francis said, after hearing from representatives of Iraq's diverse religious communities. There were Yazidis, whose ancestral heartland of Sinjar was ravaged by the Islamic State (IS) group in 2014, as well as Mandeans, Kakais, Bahais and Zoroastrians. Shiite and Sunni sheikhs, as well as Christian clerics, were there. Each was wearing their traditional religious garb, with a dozen different types of robe and headdress on display in the red-carpeted pavilion set up for the visit. Iraq is a Muslim-majority country of 40 million whose Christian population has shrunk in the past two decades to just one percent, with minorities still complaining of ostracism and persecution. During his address, the pope said freedom of conscience and of religion were "fundamental rights" that should be respected everywhere. "We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion," Francis said, in a message of solidarity with the minorities persecuted under IS rule. He also made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict. "Let us ask for this in praying for the whole Middle East. Here I think especially of neighbouring war-torn Syria," he said. Following the prayer service in Ur, the pope headed back to Baghdad to celebrate his first public mass in the country, at the Saint Joseph Cathedral. Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, has earlier met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. (with inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis, top Shiite cleric plead for 'peace' in historic Iraq meeting

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

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 is gearing up for a visit by Pope Francis, but with protests & rockets hitting Iraqi cities concerns are growing about the Pope's safety.

Gravitas: Security concerns over Pope Francis' Iraq visit

Pope Francis is all set to pay a four-day historic visit to Iraq from March 5 until March 8. The trip is going ahead despite the security risks and the coronavirus pandemic.

Iraq prepares for Pope Francis' visit

Pope Francis to visit Iraq from March 5th-8th

Final preparations are ongoing as Iraq is gearing up to welcome Pope Francis for his visit next weekend.&nbsp;

The pontiff will be meeting Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani in March in the Najaf, whose streets are being decorated with flags of Vatican and Iraq.&nbsp;

In Mosul, four churches that were desecrated by the so-called Islamic State will also be visited by the 84-year-old pope during his four-day visit.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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In the "Church Square", where the four churches are located, the pontiff will also hold prayers for the victims of war.&nbsp;

A large number of worshippers can turn up for a mass in Nineveh province and authorities are mulling on a possible open-air venue to accommodate them.&nbsp;

The sites are being cleaned for the arrival of the pope.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-prepares-for-the-popes-visit-amid-scars-of-war-365517">Iraq prepares for the Pope's visit amid scars of war</a>

Francis will also hold an inter-religious prayer service at the ancient site of Ur, a place known as the birthplace of Abraham.&nbsp;

Abraham, who is known as the father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, used to live in this city until God called upon him to build a new nation in a land later found was Cannand, according to the biblical book of Genesis.&nbsp;

He will also be visiting the capital Baghdad, Erbil, and Qaraqosh in the plains of Nineveh for the visit from March 5 to March 8.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Final preparations are ongoing as Iraq is gearing up to welcome Pope Francis for his visit next weekend. The pontiff will be meeting Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani in March in the Najaf, whose streets are being decorated with flags of Vatican and Iraq.

Final preparations are ongoing as Iraq is gearing up to welcome Pope Francis for his visit next weekend. The pontiff will be meeting Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani in March in the Najaf, whose streets are being decorated with flags of Vatican and Iraq. In Mosul, four churches that were desecrated by the so-called Islamic State will also be visited by the 84-year-old pope during his four-day visit. Watch | In the "Church Square", where the four churches are located, the pontiff will also hold prayers for the victims of war. A large number of worshippers can turn up for a mass in Nineveh province and authorities are mulling on a possible open-air venue to accommodate them. The sites are being cleaned for the arrival of the pope. Also read | Iraq prepares for the Pope's visit amid scars of war Francis will also hold an inter-religious prayer service at the ancient site of Ur, a place known as the birthplace of Abraham. Abraham, who is known as the father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, used to live in this city until God called upon him to build a new nation in a land later found was Cannand, according to the biblical book of Genesis. He will also be visiting the capital Baghdad, Erbil, and Qaraqosh in the plains of Nineveh for the visit from March 5 to March 8.

Pope Francis to visit desecrated churches as Iraq gears up to welcome him

Pope Francis is set to embark on a historic trip to #Iraq, making him the first Supreme Pontiff to visit the West Asian nation. On the West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis takes a look at how Iraq is preparing for this visit. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post | Iraq prepares for Pope's visit

Next month, Pope Francis will undertake a historic visit to Iraq. The focus of the visit will be a groundbreaking meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric. What do the Christians in Iraq think about the Pope's visit? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: What do Iraq's Christians think about the visit of Pope Francis?

A few days after the military coup in Myanmar and detainment of several senior leaders, Pope Francis has intervened and urged the Myanmar military to release the detained leaders.

Pope Francis, on Monday, called for Myanmar's political leaders to be "promptly released". He made the request in a speech to ambassadors to the Holy See.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protests-erupt-in-myanmar-for-third-consecutive-day-against-military-coup-362069">&nbsp;Protests erupt in Myanmar for third consecutive day against military coup</a>

This is the second time the Pope has intervened and spoked about the matter of Myanmar's military coup in the last two days. Before this, on Sunday he had used the recital of the Angelus prayer to express "solidarity with the people" of Myanmar.

"In these days, my thoughts turn particularly to the people of Myanmar, to whom I express my affection and closeness," he said on Monday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/internet-access-restored-as-myanmar-coup-protests-grow-361966" hreflang="en">Internet access restored as Myanmar coup protests grow</a>

"The path to democracy undertaken in recent years was brusquely interrupted by last week's coup d'etat," Pope Francis said, according to the official translation of his comments.&nbsp; "This has led to the imprisonment of different political leaders, who I hope will be promptly released as a sign of encouragement for a sincere dialogue aimed at the good of the country," he continued.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-fresh-rally-draws-crowds-demanding-end-of-dictatorship-362119">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-fresh-rally-draws-crowds-demanding-end-of-dictatorship-362119/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pope Francis had visited Myanmar in 2017 and has since then held the people of the country close to his heart.

Meanwhile, the generals of Myanmar have warned the locals against the ongoing protests in the country where the locals have been taking to the streets to raise their voices against the illegal detainment of the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and nearly a dozen more other senior leaders of the National League for Democracy Party.

A few days after the military coup in Myanmar and detainment of several senior leaders, Pope Francis has intervened and urged the Myanmar military to release the detained leaders.

A few days after the military coup in Myanmar and detainment of several senior leaders, Pope Francis has intervened and urged the Myanmar military to release the detained leaders. Pope Francis, on Monday, called for Myanmar's political leaders to be "promptly released". He made the request in a speech to ambassadors to the Holy See. Also read| Protests erupt in Myanmar for third consecutive day against military coup This is the second time the Pope has intervened and spoked about the matter of Myanmar's military coup in the last two days. Before this, on Sunday he had used the recital of the Angelus prayer to express "solidarity with the people" of Myanmar. "In these days, my thoughts turn particularly to the people of Myanmar, to whom I express my affection and closeness," he said on Monday. Also read| Internet access restored as Myanmar coup protests grow "The path to democracy undertaken in recent years was brusquely interrupted by last week's coup d'etat," Pope Francis said, according to the official translation of his comments. "This has led to the imprisonment of different political leaders, who I hope will be promptly released as a sign of encouragement for a sincere dialogue aimed at the good of the country," he continued. WATCH| Pope Francis had visited Myanmar in 2017 and has since then held the people of the country close to his heart. Meanwhile, the generals of Myanmar have warned the locals against the ongoing protests in the country where the locals have been taking to the streets to raise their voices against the illegal detainment of the popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and nearly a dozen more other senior leaders of the National League for Democracy Party.

Pope Francis urges Myanmar military to immediately release detained leaders

Breaking with tradition,&nbsp;Pope&nbsp;Francis Saturday appointed Frenchwoman Nathalie Becquart as an undersecretary of the synod of bishops.&nbsp;

Currently headed by Cardinal Mario Grech, the Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution established by Pope Paul VI in 1965, in response to the desire of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council to keep alive the spirit of collegiality engendered by the conciliar experience.

Frenchwoman Nathalie Becquart is one of the two new undersecretaries named Saturday to the synod, where she has been a consultant since 2019.

The 52-year-old is one of the two new undersecretaries named to the synod, the body of bishops that studies major questions of doctrine and where she has been a consultant since 2019.

The appointment signals the pontiff's desire "for a greater participation of women in the process of discernment and decision-making in the church," said Cardinal Mario Grech, the secretary-general of the synod.

"During the previous synods, the number of women participating as experts and listeners has increased," he said.

"With the nomination of Sister Nathalie Becquart and her possibility of participating in voting, a door has opened," the cardinal said.

The synod is led by bishops and cardinals who have voting rights and also comprises experts who cannot vote, with the next gathering scheduled for autumn 2022.

A special synod on the Amazon in 2019 saw 35 female "auditors" invited to the assembly, but none could vote.

The Argentinian-born pope has signalled his wish to reform the synod and have women and laypeople play a greater role in the church.

He named Spaniard Luis Marin de San Martin as the other under undersecretary in the synod of bishops.

Becquart, 52, a member of the France-based Xaviere Sisters, has a master's degree in management from the prestigious HEC business school in Paris and studied in Boston before joining the order.

Breaking with tradition, Pope Francis Saturday appointed Frenchwoman Nathalie Becquart as an undersecretary of the synod of bishops. Currently headed by Cardinal Mario Grech, the Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution established by Pope Paul VI in 1965, in response to the desire of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council to keep alive the spirit of collegiality engendered by the conciliar experience.

Breaking with tradition, Pope Francis Saturday appointed Frenchwoman Nathalie Becquart as an undersecretary of the synod of bishops. Currently headed by Cardinal Mario Grech, the Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution established by Pope Paul VI in 1965, in response to the desire of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council to keep alive the spirit of collegiality engendered by the conciliar experience. Frenchwoman Nathalie Becquart is one of the two new undersecretaries named Saturday to the synod, where she has been a consultant since 2019. The 52-year-old is one of the two new undersecretaries named to the synod, the body of bishops that studies major questions of doctrine and where she has been a consultant since 2019. The appointment signals the pontiff's desire "for a greater participation of women in the process of discernment and decision-making in the church," said Cardinal Mario Grech, the secretary-general of the synod. "During the previous synods, the number of women participating as experts and listeners has increased," he said. "With the nomination of Sister Nathalie Becquart and her possibility of participating in voting, a door has opened," the cardinal said. The synod is led by bishops and cardinals who have voting rights and also comprises experts who cannot vote, with the next gathering scheduled for autumn 2022. A special synod on the Amazon in 2019 saw 35 female "auditors" invited to the assembly, but none could vote. The Argentinian-born pope has signalled his wish to reform the synod and have women and laypeople play a greater role in the church. He named Spaniard Luis Marin de San Martin as the other under undersecretary in the synod of bishops. Becquart, 52, a member of the France-based Xaviere Sisters, has a master's degree in management from the prestigious HEC business school in Paris and studied in Boston before joining the order.

'A door has opened': Pope Francis appoints first woman to senior synod post

Pope Francis will meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during first-ever papal visit to Iraq, as per a senior Catholic cleric. Louis Sako, patriarch of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, said it would be a "private visit" between the two religious figures. The visit will be "without formalities".

Sako hoped that the two religious figures would sign document on "human fraternity for world peace". The document is an inter-religious text condemning extremism that the Pope signed with leading Sunni cleric, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, in 2019.

Pope Francis will visit Ira from March 5 to 8. He has plans of visiting Baghdad, the northern city of Mosul and Ur, where Abraham is said to have been born.

Iraq once counted more than 1.5 million Christians, but the community has been ravaged by successive conflicts.

Following the US-led invasion of 2003, sectarian warfare prompted followers of Iraq's multiple Christian denominations to flee and attacks by the Islamic State group in 2014 further hit all minority communities.

Now, an estimated 400,000 Christians remain in Iraq.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis will meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during first-ever papal visit to Iraq, as per a senior Catholic cleric. Louis Sako, patriarch of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, said it would be a "private visit" between the two religious figures.

Pope Francis will meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during first-ever papal visit to Iraq, as per a senior Catholic cleric. Louis Sako, patriarch of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, said it would be a "private visit" between the two religious figures. The visit will be "without formalities". Sako hoped that the two religious figures would sign document on "human fraternity for world peace". The document is an inter-religious text condemning extremism that the Pope signed with leading Sunni cleric, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, in 2019. Pope Francis will visit Ira from March 5 to 8. He has plans of visiting Baghdad, the northern city of Mosul and Ur, where Abraham is said to have been born. Iraq once counted more than 1.5 million Christians, but the community has been ravaged by successive conflicts. Following the US-led invasion of 2003, sectarian warfare prompted followers of Iraq's multiple Christian denominations to flee and attacks by the Islamic State group in 2014 further hit all minority communities. Now, an estimated 400,000 Christians remain in Iraq. (With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis to meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during Iraq visit

Following a request to New Delhi, coronavirus vaccination campaign in Brazil will begin with vaccines delivered from India. Meanwhile, Pope Francis and his predecessor have received Covid-19 jabs. Russian President Vladimir Putin's critic Alexei Navalny&nbsp;risks being jailed for three and a half years, his lawyer said. China has opposed the US's move of banning imports of cotton and tomato from Xinjiang over the forced labour issue.&nbsp;

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Pope Francis and his predecessor, former pope Benedict XVI have received Covid-19 jabs, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday.&nbsp;

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Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan is the only bowler in the history of Test cricket to scalp 800 wickets. Former Lankan legend achieved this feat after dismissing Pragyan Ojha at Galle in 2010, which was also his final Test match.&nbsp;

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Following a request to New Delhi, coronavirus vaccination campaign in Brazil will begin with vaccines delivered from India. Meanwhile, Pope Francis and his predecessor have received Covid-19 jabs.

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Pope Francis and his predecessor, former pope Benedict XVI have received <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 jabs</a>, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday.&nbsp;

"The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and the Pope Emeritus," spokesman Matteo Bruni was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

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There were reports circulating that Francis received the vaccine on Wednesday, but the confirmation from the Vatican came on Thursday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The 84-year-old has constantly supported the importance of receiving the vaccine and called for an equitable distribution of the jab.&nbsp;

Media reports hinted of Pope Francis receiving the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, which was authorised by the European Union on December 21 for use.&nbsp;

"There is a suicidal denial which I cannot explain, but today we have to get vaccinated," Francis earlier told Canale 5, urging people to take the vaccine.&nbsp;

In his Christmas message, he said vaccines should be available for all, especially the "most vulnerable".&nbsp;

Pope called for "vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet".

Earlier, the Vatican in December gave permission to Catholics to take Covid-19 jabs despite being developed from aborted foetuses.

Pope Francis and his predecessor, former pope Benedict XVI have received Covid-19 jabs, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday. "The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and the Pope Emeritus," spokesman Matteo Bruni was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

Pope Francis and his predecessor, former pope Benedict XVI have received Covid-19 jabs, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday. "The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and the Pope Emeritus," spokesman Matteo Bruni was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Also read | Indian Covid-19 vaccines to kickstart Brazilian vaccination program There were reports circulating that Francis received the vaccine on Wednesday, but the confirmation from the Vatican came on Thursday. Watch | The 84-year-old has constantly supported the importance of receiving the vaccine and called for an equitable distribution of the jab. Media reports hinted of Pope Francis receiving the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, which was authorised by the European Union on December 21 for use. "There is a suicidal denial which I cannot explain, but today we have to get vaccinated," Francis earlier told Canale 5, urging people to take the vaccine. In his Christmas message, he said vaccines should be available for all, especially the "most vulnerable". Pope called for "vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet". Earlier, the Vatican in December gave permission to Catholics to take Covid-19 jabs despite being developed from aborted foetuses.

Pope Francis, Benedict XVI receive coronavirus vaccines

Pope Francic changed the Catholic Church Law. According to the new law, women will now be allowed to perform certain tasks during mass.

Pope Francis allows women to serve at mass, but cannot be Priests

Pope Francis’ personal doctor has died from COVID-19 complications, bringing into concern Pope's health and well-being.

It is, however, not clear when the doctor was last in direct contact with the Pope, CNN reports.

Fabrizio Soccorsi, 78, was in hospital and was being treated for cancer. He had been the pope`s doctor since 2015.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis said on Saturday he planned to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as early as next week and urged everyone to get a shot, to protect not only their own lives but those of others.

"I believe that ethically everyone should take the vaccine," the Pope said in an interview with TV station Canale 5. "It is an ethical choice because you are gambling with your health, with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others."

Vatican City, the smallest independent county in the world, home to about 450 people including Pope Francis, has said it will shortly launch its own vaccination campaign against the coronavirus.

"Next week," the Pope said, "we will start doing it here, in the Vatican, and I have booked myself in. It must be done."

Pope Francis, 84, had part of one lung removed during an illness when he was a young man in his native Argentina, making him potentially vulnerable to the disease.

Vatican City last week said it expected to receive enough COVID-19 vaccine doses in the following days to inoculate all of its residents and its workers who live beyond its walls in Rome.

As part of its vaccination plan, the Vatican said it had bought an ultra-cold refrigerator to store doses, suggesting it will use the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, which must be stored at about minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 Fahrenheit).

(with inputs)

Pope Francis’ personal doctor has died from COVID-19 complications, bringing into concern Pope's health and well-being. It is, however, not clear when the doctor was last in direct contact with the Pope, CNN reports.

Pope Francis’ personal doctor has died from COVID-19 complications, bringing into concern Pope's health and well-being. It is, however, not clear when the doctor was last in direct contact with the Pope, CNN reports. Fabrizio Soccorsi, 78, was in hospital and was being treated for cancer. He had been the pope`s doctor since 2015. Meanwhile, Pope Francis said on Saturday he planned to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as early as next week and urged everyone to get a shot, to protect not only their own lives but those of others. "I believe that ethically everyone should take the vaccine," the Pope said in an interview with TV station Canale 5. "It is an ethical choice because you are gambling with your health, with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others." Vatican City, the smallest independent county in the world, home to about 450 people including Pope Francis, has said it will shortly launch its own vaccination campaign against the coronavirus. "Next week," the Pope said, "we will start doing it here, in the Vatican, and I have booked myself in. It must be done." Pope Francis, 84, had part of one lung removed during an illness when he was a young man in his native Argentina, making him potentially vulnerable to the disease. Vatican City last week said it expected to receive enough COVID-19 vaccine doses in the following days to inoculate all of its residents and its workers who live beyond its walls in Rome. As part of its vaccination plan, the Vatican said it had bought an ultra-cold refrigerator to store doses, suggesting it will use the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, which must be stored at about minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 Fahrenheit). (with inputs)

Pope Francis’ personal doctor dies from coronavirus complications

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday claimed that women can now read at Mass, but still cannot become priests.

A change in the church law now allows women to do more during Mass and was amended by Francis to allow women to read the Gospel, and also to serve on the altar as eucharistic ministers, attempting to normalise a practice which is already widely accepted around the world.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-celebrates-mass-in-near-empty-service-352214/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though exceptions regarding women were made earlier, most roles were limited to men.

Francis claims that the changes were made keeping in mind the "precious contribution" made by women in the church. Pope Francis also added how everyone who's baptised as part of Catholic tradition plays a major role in the mission of the Church.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/capitol-hill-violence-pope-francis-asks-americans-to-protect-democratic-values-355811" hreflang="en">Capitol Hill violence: Pope Francis asks Americans to 'protect democratic values'</a> 
 
Now, the distinctions between the two types of ministries will run much deeper. The distinction between "ordained" ministers like priesthood and those open to laity will remain, as stated by Pope Francis. 
 
As of now, only men can become priests in the Vatican.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-francis-personal-doctor-dies-from-coronavirus-complications-355933" hreflang="en">Pope Francis’ personal doctor dies from coronavirus complications</a>

The Catholic Church has been under tremendous pressure to allow women to become deacons or ordained ministers who perform functions that run closer to what priests do. These including baptisms, funerals, and wedding-related ceremonies.

After Francis' first attempt to assess whether women could become deacons failed, the Pope has commissioned another enquiry into the matter. 
 
Once included, women would have a greater say in the ministry and dictates of the church. Critics also believe this could help tackle the shortage of priests across the globe.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday claimed that women can now read at Mass, but still cannot become priests. A change in the church law now allows women to do more during Mass and was amended by Francis to allow women to read the Gospel, and also to serve on the altar as eucharistic ministers, attempting to normalise a practice which is already widely accepted around the world.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday claimed that women can now read at Mass, but still cannot become priests. A change in the church law now allows women to do more during Mass and was amended by Francis to allow women to read the Gospel, and also to serve on the altar as eucharistic ministers, attempting to normalise a practice which is already widely accepted around the world. Even though exceptions regarding women were made earlier, most roles were limited to men. Francis claims that the changes were made keeping in mind the "precious contribution" made by women in the church. Pope Francis also added how everyone who's baptised as part of Catholic tradition plays a major role in the mission of the Church. Also read: Capitol Hill violence: Pope Francis asks Americans to 'protect democratic values' Now, the distinctions between the two types of ministries will run much deeper. The distinction between "ordained" ministers like priesthood and those open to laity will remain, as stated by Pope Francis. As of now, only men can become priests in the Vatican. Also read: Pope Francis’ personal doctor dies from coronavirus complications The Catholic Church has been under tremendous pressure to allow women to become deacons or ordained ministers who perform functions that run closer to what priests do. These including baptisms, funerals, and wedding-related ceremonies. After Francis' first attempt to assess whether women could become deacons failed, the Pope has commissioned another enquiry into the matter. Once included, women would have a greater say in the ministry and dictates of the church. Critics also believe this could help tackle the shortage of priests across the globe.

Pope Francis says women can now read at Mass, priesthood still a distant dream

Pope Francis on Sunday voiced his displeasure on the Capitol Hill violence that took place on December 6 and asked Americans to "protect democra values". The attack on the Capitol Building on Wednesday left five people dead including police officer. Pope said the violence was "self-destructive".

"I repeat that violence is self-destructive, always. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost," the pope said in his Sunday address.

US authorities and agencies are in process of identifying, arresting and charging people who were involved in US Congress break-in. Dozens have been charged in last few days. FBI has even asked the public to help identify those involved in violence. There is a proliferation of images and videos of the attack.

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"I appeal to the authorities of the country and to the entire population to maintain a lofty sense of responsibility in order to calm things down, promote national reconciliation and protect democratic values that are rooted in American society," Francis said.

Francis said he wanted to send "an affectionate greeting" to all Americans, saying the country was "shaken by the recent siege on Congress".

He said he was praying for those who died "in those dramatic moments" and that the Madonna would help all Americans "keep alive a culture of encounter, a culture of caring, as the master way to build together the common good".

The attack has strongly hurt the USA's reputation worldwide and even tarnished the image of outgoing US President Donald Trump as it were his supporters who attacked the Capitol Building.&nbsp;

The unprecedented attack has spurred Trump's political rivals to bring in impeachment legislation against him on Monday. If the motion goes ahead, this will be a start of a second impeachment process against Trump.

(With Reuters inputs)

Pope Francis on Sunday voiced his displeasure on the Capitol Hill violence that took place on December 6 and asked Americans to "protect democra values". The attack on the Capitol Building on Wednesday left five people dead including police officer.

Pope Francis on Sunday voiced his displeasure on the Capitol Hill violence that took place on December 6 and asked Americans to "protect democra values". The attack on the Capitol Building on Wednesday left five people dead including police officer. Pope said the violence was "self-destructive". "I repeat that violence is self-destructive, always. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost," the pope said in his Sunday address. US authorities and agencies are in process of identifying, arresting and charging people who were involved in US Congress break-in. Dozens have been charged in last few days. FBI has even asked the public to help identify those involved in violence. There is a proliferation of images and videos of the attack. × "I appeal to the authorities of the country and to the entire population to maintain a lofty sense of responsibility in order to calm things down, promote national reconciliation and protect democratic values that are rooted in American society," Francis said. Francis said he wanted to send "an affectionate greeting" to all Americans, saying the country was "shaken by the recent siege on Congress". He said he was praying for those who died "in those dramatic moments" and that the Madonna would help all Americans "keep alive a culture of encounter, a culture of caring, as the master way to build together the common good". The attack has strongly hurt the USA's reputation worldwide and even tarnished the image of outgoing US President Donald Trump as it were his supporters who attacked the Capitol Building. The unprecedented attack has spurred Trump's political rivals to bring in impeachment legislation against him on Monday. If the motion goes ahead, this will be a start of a second impeachment process against Trump. (With Reuters inputs)

Capitol Hill violence: Pope Francis asks Americans to 'protect democratic values'

Head of the Catholic church - the Pope on Saturday said he will get vaccinated against COVID-19 next week.&nbsp;In addition, he referred to the opposition against vaccines as&nbsp;"suicidal denial".

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Earlier, Pope Francis had referred to the vaccines as a "glimmer of hope", claiming that they should be given to everybody. During his Christmas message, Pope Francis described the ongoing coronavirus crisis as a period of "darkness and uncertainty".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-comes-under-scanner-as-bombshell-report-claims-18-billion-transfer-that-vatican-denies-354473" hreflang="en">Pope comes under scanner as bombshell report claims $1.8 billion transfer that Vatican denies</a>

He had also said vaccines should be given to all, particularly to those most vulnerable and in dire need.&nbsp;

"I call on everyone, on leaders of states, on businesses, on international organisations, to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet," the pontiff said.&nbsp;

The Pope also said that the pandemic came at a time when there are already "ecological crisis" and "grave economic and social imbalances" and therefore it is important for each one to consider the other as "brothers and sisters".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-criticises-people-going-on-holiday-to-flee-covid-lockdowns-354239" hreflang="en">Pope criticises people going on holiday to flee COVID lockdowns</a>

He also spoke about the children who are stuck in the battle in Syria, Iraq and Yemen and hoped that peace should be established in this region.&nbsp;

"On this day... let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war," the pontiff said.

"May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of goodwill, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace", he added.

Head of the Catholic church - the Pope on Saturday said he will get vaccinated against COVID-19 next week. In addition, he referred to the opposition against vaccines as "suicidal denial".

Head of the Catholic church - the Pope on Saturday said he will get vaccinated against COVID-19 next week. In addition, he referred to the opposition against vaccines as "suicidal denial". Earlier, Pope Francis had referred to the vaccines as a "glimmer of hope", claiming that they should be given to everybody. During his Christmas message, Pope Francis described the ongoing coronavirus crisis as a period of "darkness and uncertainty". Also read: Pope comes under scanner as bombshell report claims $1.8 billion transfer that Vatican denies He had also said vaccines should be given to all, particularly to those most vulnerable and in dire need. "I call on everyone, on leaders of states, on businesses, on international organisations, to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet," the pontiff said. The Pope also said that the pandemic came at a time when there are already "ecological crisis" and "grave economic and social imbalances" and therefore it is important for each one to consider the other as "brothers and sisters". Also read: Pope criticises people going on holiday to flee COVID lockdowns He also spoke about the children who are stuck in the battle in Syria, Iraq and Yemen and hoped that peace should be established in this region. "On this day... let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war," the pontiff said. "May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of goodwill, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace", he added.

Pope Francis to get vaccinated next week; slams vaccine deniers

The latest financial row has shaken the Vatican to the core as it's worth 1.8 billion dollars.

Allegedly, the amount was transferred from the Vatican to Australia in the last seven years.&nbsp;

However, the Australian bishops did not receive the money.&nbsp;

The transaction reportedly took place between the Vatican and the government of Australia.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-accepts-resignation-of-minsk-archbishop-who-angered-lukashenko-354236">Pope accepts resignation of Minsk archbishop who angered Lukashenko</a>

Canberra says it has not received the money.&nbsp;

The shocking revelation has been made by Australia's own financial watchdog Austrac.&nbsp;

The report says that 1.8 billion US dollars were indeed sent from Rome to Canberra in the last seven years.&nbsp;

Out of this amount, 71.6 million dollars were allegedly sent in 2017, 137.1 million dollars in 2015, 295 million in 2016, 581 million dollars in 2017, 422 million dollars in 2018, 491.8 million dollars in 2019, and 294.8 million dollars in 2020.

All these transactions are undocumented and the reasons are unexplained. The identity of the recipients is yet to be disclosed.&nbsp;

The bishops in Australia claim they never received a single cent and Vatican officials are stunned too, saying the transaction looks like 'science fiction' and the Vatican does not have that kind of money.&nbsp;

According to Vatican's data, only 980,000 dollars have been sent to Australia since 2014 mostly for payment of salaries to bishops, expenses at the Vatican embassy, pension and travel costs.&nbsp;

This figure is nowhere close to the amount revealed by the Australian watchdog.&nbsp;

Austrac vows to release further details in the days to come, but the bishops in Australia are getting restless.

The controversy is set to explode and the pope's image and reputation are at stake.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The latest financial row has shaken the Vatican to the core as it's worth 1.8 billion dollars. Allegedly, the amount was transferred from the Vatican to Australia in the last seven years.

The latest financial row has shaken the Vatican to the core as it's worth 1.8 billion dollars. Allegedly, the amount was transferred from the Vatican to Australia in the last seven years. However, the Australian bishops did not receive the money. The transaction reportedly took place between the Vatican and the government of Australia. Also read | Pope accepts resignation of Minsk archbishop who angered Lukashenko Canberra says it has not received the money. The shocking revelation has been made by Australia's own financial watchdog Austrac. The report says that 1.8 billion US dollars were indeed sent from Rome to Canberra in the last seven years. Out of this amount, 71.6 million dollars were allegedly sent in 2017, 137.1 million dollars in 2015, 295 million in 2016, 581 million dollars in 2017, 422 million dollars in 2018, 491.8 million dollars in 2019, and 294.8 million dollars in 2020. All these transactions are undocumented and the reasons are unexplained. The identity of the recipients is yet to be disclosed. The bishops in Australia claim they never received a single cent and Vatican officials are stunned too, saying the transaction looks like 'science fiction' and the Vatican does not have that kind of money. According to Vatican's data, only 980,000 dollars have been sent to Australia since 2014 mostly for payment of salaries to bishops, expenses at the Vatican embassy, pension and travel costs. This figure is nowhere close to the amount revealed by the Australian watchdog. Austrac vows to release further details in the days to come, but the bishops in Australia are getting restless. The controversy is set to explode and the pope's image and reputation are at stake.

Pope comes under scanner as bombshell report claims $1.8 billion transfer that Vatican denies

Pope Francis condemned on Sunday people who had gone abroad on holiday to escape coronavirus lockdowns, saying they needed to show greater awareness of the suffering of others. 
 
Speaking after his weekly noon blessing, Francis said he had read newspaper reports of people catching flights to flee government curbs and seek fun elsewhere. 
 
"They didn`t think about those who were staying at home, of the economic problems of many people who have been hit hard by the lockdown, of the sick people. (They thought) only about going on holiday and having fun," the pope said. 
 
"This really saddened me," he said in a video address from the library of the Vatican`s Apostolic Palace. 
 
The traditional Angelus blessing is normally given from a window overlooking St. Peter`s Square, but it was moved indoors to prevent any crowds gathering and limit the spread of COVID-19. 
 
"We don`t know what 2021 will reserve for us, but what all of us can do together is make a bit more of an effort to take care of each other. There is the temptation to take care only of our own interests," he added. 
 
Many countries have imposed strict restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has killed some 1.83 million people worldwide, according to the latest Reuters tally.

Pope Francis condemned on Sunday people who had gone abroad on holiday to escape coronavirus lockdowns, saying they needed to show greater awareness of the suffering of others.

Pope Francis condemned on Sunday people who had gone abroad on holiday to escape coronavirus lockdowns, saying they needed to show greater awareness of the suffering of others. Speaking after his weekly noon blessing, Francis said he had read newspaper reports of people catching flights to flee government curbs and seek fun elsewhere. "They didn`t think about those who were staying at home, of the economic problems of many people who have been hit hard by the lockdown, of the sick people. (They thought) only about going on holiday and having fun," the pope said. "This really saddened me," he said in a video address from the library of the Vatican`s Apostolic Palace. The traditional Angelus blessing is normally given from a window overlooking St. Peter`s Square, but it was moved indoors to prevent any crowds gathering and limit the spread of COVID-19. "We don`t know what 2021 will reserve for us, but what all of us can do together is make a bit more of an effort to take care of each other. There is the temptation to take care only of our own interests," he added. Many countries have imposed strict restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has killed some 1.83 million people worldwide, according to the latest Reuters tally.

Pope criticises people going on holiday to flee COVID lockdowns

Pope Francis on Sunday accepted the resignation of the Catholic Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who angered the Lukashenko regime and was banned from Belarus by speaking against the country's government and violence against the protestors.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeremy-corbyns-brother-arrested-again-in-londons-anti-lockdown-protests-354136" hreflang="en">Jeremy Corbyn's brother arrested again in London's anti-lockdown protests</a>

The Archbishops are supposed to tender their resignation to the Pope when they turn 75 years old, which Kondrusiewicz did on Sunday. However, the Pope decides whether the Archbishop continues or not.&nbsp;

In a statement announcing the Archbishop's resignation, the Vatican said Bishop Kazimierz Wielikosielec of the Diocese of Pinsk in western Belarus would take his place.

Kondrusiewicz, who currently lives in Poland and is a citizen of Belarus, gave an interview to a radio station calling for an end to police violence against protesters and demanding the resignation of strongman Lukashenko, who in August won re-election in a vote the opposition said was rigged.

However, Lukashenko hit back at the Archbishop and accused him of plotting to "destroy the country".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Belarusians overwhelmingly observe Orthodox Christianity, but the country has small Catholic minorities, observing the Roman rite common in Poland or the Eastern rite found in neighbouring Ukraine.

Pope Francis on Sunday accepted the resignation of the Catholic Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who angered the Lukashenko regime and was banned from Belarus by speaking against the country's government and violence against the protestors.

Pope Francis on Sunday accepted the resignation of the Catholic Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who angered the Lukashenko regime and was banned from Belarus by speaking against the country's government and violence against the protestors. ALSO READ: Jeremy Corbyn's brother arrested again in London's anti-lockdown protests The Archbishops are supposed to tender their resignation to the Pope when they turn 75 years old, which Kondrusiewicz did on Sunday. However, the Pope decides whether the Archbishop continues or not. In a statement announcing the Archbishop's resignation, the Vatican said Bishop Kazimierz Wielikosielec of the Diocese of Pinsk in western Belarus would take his place. Kondrusiewicz, who currently lives in Poland and is a citizen of Belarus, gave an interview to a radio station calling for an end to police violence against protesters and demanding the resignation of strongman Lukashenko, who in August won re-election in a vote the opposition said was rigged. However, Lukashenko hit back at the Archbishop and accused him of plotting to "destroy the country". Belarusians overwhelmingly observe Orthodox Christianity, but the country has small Catholic minorities, observing the Roman rite common in Poland or the Eastern rite found in neighbouring Ukraine.

Pope accepts resignation of Minsk archbishop who angered Lukashenko

Pope Francis ushered in the New Year on Friday with a traditional Angelus blessing from the papal library, pushing through nerve pain that forced him to skip New Year's ceremonies in St. Peter's Basilica.

The pope was unable to attend services on Thursday and again on Friday morning because of sciatica,&nbsp;a relatively common problem that causes pain along the sciatic nerve down the lower back and legs.

It was believed to be the first time since he became pope in 2013 that Francis, who turned 84 last month, has been prevented by health reasons from leading a major papal event.

However, he showed no sign of discomfort as he delivered a noon address and prayer, standing at a lectern in the library of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.

The papal blessing was moved inside from the usual perch at a window overlooking St. Peter's Square to discourage crowds as Italy is living under tighter COVID-19 restrictions this holiday season.

"Life today is governed by war, by enmity, by many things that are destructive. We want peace. It is a gift," Francis said, adding that the response to the global coronavirus crisis showed the importance of burden-sharing.

"The painful events that marked humanity's journey last year, especially the pandemic, taught us how much it is necessary to take an interest in the problems of others and to share their concerns," he said.

Pope highlighted, in particular, his worries about Yemen, where children are living ''without education, without medicine, hungry''&nbsp;and for the release of the Rev. Moses Chikwe, a bishop in the Owerri archdiocese of Nigeria, who was kidnapped last Sunday by gunmen.

Yemen has been blighted by six years of violence that has pitted a Saudi-led coalition against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.&nbsp;

"I express my sorrow and concern for the further escalation of violence in Yemen, which is causing numerous innocent victims," Francis said. "Let us think of the children of Yemen, without education, without medicine, famished."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pope Francis ushered in the New Year on Friday with a traditional Angelus blessing from the papal library, pushing through nerve pain that forced him to skip New Year's ceremonies in St.

Pope Francis ushered in the New Year on Friday with a traditional Angelus blessing from the papal library, pushing through nerve pain that forced him to skip New Year's ceremonies in St. Peter's Basilica. The pope was unable to attend services on Thursday and again on Friday morning because of sciatica, a relatively common problem that causes pain along the sciatic nerve down the lower back and legs. It was believed to be the first time since he became pope in 2013 that Francis, who turned 84 last month, has been prevented by health reasons from leading a major papal event. However, he showed no sign of discomfort as he delivered a noon address and prayer, standing at a lectern in the library of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. The papal blessing was moved inside from the usual perch at a window overlooking St. Peter's Square to discourage crowds as Italy is living under tighter COVID-19 restrictions this holiday season. "Life today is governed by war, by enmity, by many things that are destructive. We want peace. It is a gift," Francis said, adding that the response to the global coronavirus crisis showed the importance of burden-sharing. "The painful events that marked humanity's journey last year, especially the pandemic, taught us how much it is necessary to take an interest in the problems of others and to share their concerns," he said. Pope highlighted, in particular, his worries about Yemen, where children are living ''without education, without medicine, hungry'' and for the release of the Rev. Moses Chikwe, a bishop in the Owerri archdiocese of Nigeria, who was kidnapped last Sunday by gunmen. Yemen has been blighted by six years of violence that has pitted a Saudi-led coalition against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. "I express my sorrow and concern for the further escalation of violence in Yemen, which is causing numerous innocent victims," Francis said. "Let us think of the children of Yemen, without education, without medicine, famished."

Pope reappears after pain flare-up, gives New Year's blessing

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