The Catholic Church has faced sharp criticism over the years for not doing enough to protect kids under its purview from abuse.&nbsp;But on Tuesday, Pope Francis changed the tone of action by updating the Catholic Church’s criminal code. Now, priests who sexually abuse minors will face penalties.

This move marked the most heavy revision to the Code of Canon Law in almost 40 years, following a long process. Activists had been pressing for an urgent need to change abuse laws within the Church to protect kids. Recent complaints by victims of sexual abuse have also pushed the church to take stern measures.&nbsp;

In the opening written remarks announcing the change, the Pope highlighted the&nbsp;"restoration of justice, the reform of the offender, and the repair of scandal”.

In a press conference, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts’s President said that the chances are intended to “reaffirm the seriousness of this crime and the attention to be paid to the victims”, AFP reported.

Also read: P<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-francis-backs-waivers-on-intellectual-property-rights-for-vaccines-384028" hreflang="en">ope Francis backs waivers on intellectual property rights for vaccines</a>

Instead of referring to sexual abuse against minors as pedophilia, the revision refers to the offences as dismissive of the sixth commandment, wherein adultery is prohibited.

Now, the offences will be grouped under a new heading "Offenses against human life, dignity and liberty”. Earlier, sexual crimes against minors were flagged under “delicts against special obligations."&nbsp; A priest engaging in pedophilia will be stripped of his office and potentially face “other just penalties” if he "commits an offence against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue with a minor”.

The changes will take effect in December. Pope Francis said that the revision intends to rewrite the ideals of justice and mercy, which have been "misinterpreted". In addition, he said&nbsp;that the revision would limit the dependence on discretion of judges while dealing with such crimes.

Pope Francis took charge in 2013 and has undertaken several measures to counter the sexual abuse which was plagued the church for decades.&nbsp;In 2019, Pope Francis called a summit on clerical sex abuse while lifting rules of secrecy which critics thought used to hinder investigations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-facilitates-vatican-prosecutions-for-cardinals-bishops-381714" hreflang="en">Pope facilitates Vatican prosecutions for cardinals, bishops</a>

The Catholic Church has faced sharp criticism over the years for not doing enough to protect kids under its purview from abuse. But on Tuesday, Pope Francis changed the tone of action by updating the Catholic Church’s criminal code.

The Catholic Church has faced sharp criticism over the years for not doing enough to protect kids under its purview from abuse. But on Tuesday, Pope Francis changed the tone of action by updating the Catholic Church’s criminal code. Now, priests who sexually abuse minors will face penalties. This move marked the most heavy revision to the Code of Canon Law in almost 40 years, following a long process. Activists had been pressing for an urgent need to change abuse laws within the Church to protect kids. Recent complaints by victims of sexual abuse have also pushed the church to take stern measures. In the opening written remarks announcing the change, the Pope highlighted the "restoration of justice, the reform of the offender, and the repair of scandal”. In a press conference, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts’s President said that the chances are intended to “reaffirm the seriousness of this crime and the attention to be paid to the victims”, AFP reported. Also read: Pope Francis backs waivers on intellectual property rights for vaccines Instead of referring to sexual abuse against minors as pedophilia, the revision refers to the offences as dismissive of the sixth commandment, wherein adultery is prohibited. Now, the offences will be grouped under a new heading "Offenses against human life, dignity and liberty”. Earlier, sexual crimes against minors were flagged under “delicts against special obligations." A priest engaging in pedophilia will be stripped of his office and potentially face “other just penalties” if he "commits an offence against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue with a minor”. The changes will take effect in December. Pope Francis said that the revision intends to rewrite the ideals of justice and mercy, which have been "misinterpreted". In addition, he said that the revision would limit the dependence on discretion of judges while dealing with such crimes. Pope Francis took charge in 2013 and has undertaken several measures to counter the sexual abuse which was plagued the church for decades. In 2019, Pope Francis called a summit on clerical sex abuse while lifting rules of secrecy which critics thought used to hinder investigations. Also read: Pope facilitates Vatican prosecutions for cardinals, bishops

Pope Francis updates Catholic Church's criminal code to fight pedophilia

Pope Francis said Sunday he would invite Lebanon's Christian leaders to the Vatican on July 1 to reflect and pray for "peace and stability" in the stricken Middle Eastern nation.

Lebanon is in the throes of a double economic and political crisis.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protests-in-lebanon-over-economic-crisis-political-deadlock-368865">Protests in Lebanon over economic crisis, political deadlock</a>

It is experiencing its worst financial downturn since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the population now living below the poverty line.

Meanwhile, bickering political leaders have yet to agree on a new government to replace the outgoing cabinet of caretaker prime minister Hassan Diab who resigned in the wake of last summer's deadly port explosion.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caretaker-pm-threatens-to-stop-running-government-in-lebanon-368500">Caretaker PM threatens to stop running government in Lebanon</a>

"On July 1 I will meet in the Vatican with the main leaders of the Christian communities in Lebanon, for a day of reflection on the country's worrying situation and to pray together for the gift of peace and stability", the pope said.

Delivering his Sunday Angelus message, Francis urged the faithful "to accompany the preparation of this event with solidarity prayers, invoking a more peaceful future for that beloved country".&nbsp;

Pope Francis said Sunday he would invite Lebanon's Christian leaders to the Vatican on July 1 to reflect and pray for "peace and stability" in the stricken Middle Eastern nation.

Pope Francis said Sunday he would invite Lebanon's Christian leaders to the Vatican on July 1 to reflect and pray for "peace and stability" in the stricken Middle Eastern nation. Lebanon is in the throes of a double economic and political crisis. Also Read | Protests in Lebanon over economic crisis, political deadlock It is experiencing its worst financial downturn since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the population now living below the poverty line. Meanwhile, bickering political leaders have yet to agree on a new government to replace the outgoing cabinet of caretaker prime minister Hassan Diab who resigned in the wake of last summer's deadly port explosion. Also Read | Caretaker PM threatens to stop running government in Lebanon "On July 1 I will meet in the Vatican with the main leaders of the Christian communities in Lebanon, for a day of reflection on the country's worrying situation and to pray together for the gift of peace and stability", the pope said. Delivering his Sunday Angelus message, Francis urged the faithful "to accompany the preparation of this event with solidarity prayers, invoking a more peaceful future for that beloved country".

Pope to host July 1 summit with Lebanon's Christian leaders

As the situation in Colombia is worsening, Pope Francis has urged "serious dialogue" to find a quick solution and has defended the right to peaceful protests.

Colombia needs to conduct "through serious dialogue, (whereby) fair solutions are found to the many problems it faces," Pope said.

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He also urged the security forces to let the locals carry peaceful protests and "avoid, for humanitarian reasons, behaviours harmful to the population in the exercise of their right to demonstrate peacefully".

Colombia has been observing continuous protests by locals over proposed tax reforms, which were quickly shelved due to the unpopular reaction.

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However, since then, there has been an anti-government sentiment in the country, even though the government has urged locals to stay indoors due to the rising covid infections.

The protests and massive unrest have led to an alarming increase in infections in Colombia in the past few weeks, taking the death toll to more than 80,000.

As the situation in Colombia is worsening, Pope Francis has urged "serious dialogue" to find a quick solution and has defended the right to peaceful protests. Colombia needs to conduct "through serious dialogue, (whereby) fair solutions are found to the many problems it faces," Pope said.

As the situation in Colombia is worsening, Pope Francis has urged "serious dialogue" to find a quick solution and has defended the right to peaceful protests. Colombia needs to conduct "through serious dialogue, (whereby) fair solutions are found to the many problems it faces," Pope said. Also read | Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders He also urged the security forces to let the locals carry peaceful protests and "avoid, for humanitarian reasons, behaviours harmful to the population in the exercise of their right to demonstrate peacefully". Colombia has been observing continuous protests by locals over proposed tax reforms, which were quickly shelved due to the unpopular reaction. Also read | Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests However, since then, there has been an anti-government sentiment in the country, even though the government has urged locals to stay indoors due to the rising covid infections. The protests and massive unrest have led to an alarming increase in infections in Colombia in the past few weeks, taking the death toll to more than 80,000.

Pope defends Colombia's right to peaceful protests

Pope&nbsp;Francis on Saturday supported waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines, backing a proposal by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden that has been rebuffed by some European nations, including Germany.

In a speech to a global fundraising concert to promote fair access to&nbsp;vaccines, the&nbsp;pope&nbsp;said the world was infected with the "virus of individualism".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India">Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India</a>

"A variant of this virus is closed nationalism, which prevents, for example, an internationalism of&nbsp;vaccines," he said in the pre-recorded video message.

"Another variant is when we put the laws of the market or of intellectual market or intellectual property over the laws of love and the health of humanity," he added, recalling the heavy death toll the coronavirus had inflicted on the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem">'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem</a>

His comments came in the middle of a debate over whether pharmaceutical companies should waive patent protection for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines.

Biden backed such a move on Wednesday, heeding calls from India, South Africa and more than 100 other countries.

However, many European countries, led by Germany and France, distanced themselves on Friday from the suggestion, arguing that key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic was making and sharing&nbsp;vaccines more quickly.

Pope Francis on Saturday supported waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, backing a proposal by US President Joe Biden that has been rebuffed by some European nations, including Germany.

Pope Francis on Saturday supported waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, backing a proposal by US President Joe Biden that has been rebuffed by some European nations, including Germany. In a speech to a global fundraising concert to promote fair access to vaccines, the pope said the world was infected with the "virus of individualism". Also read | Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India "A variant of this virus is closed nationalism, which prevents, for example, an internationalism of vaccines," he said in the pre-recorded video message. "Another variant is when we put the laws of the market or of intellectual market or intellectual property over the laws of love and the health of humanity," he added, recalling the heavy death toll the coronavirus had inflicted on the world. Also read | 'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem His comments came in the middle of a debate over whether pharmaceutical companies should waive patent protection for COVID-19 vaccines. Biden backed such a move on Wednesday, heeding calls from India, South Africa and more than 100 other countries. However, many European countries, led by Germany and France, distanced themselves on Friday from the suggestion, arguing that key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic was making and sharing vaccines more quickly.

Pope Francis backs waivers on intellectual property rights for vaccines

Pope Francis on Sunday (May 9) gave out a call to end violence in Jerusalem. He urged all parties to seek solution to respect the multicultural identity of the Holy City. Pope Francis was speaking at his Sunday address in Peter's Square&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Violence breeds violence, stop clashes", he told pilgrims who gathered St. Peter's Square in Rome.

On Saturday, Clashes erupted between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police outside the Old City of Jerusalem as tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers prayed at the nearby Al-Aqsa Mosque on Islam's holy night of Laylat al-Qadr.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jerusalem-scores-more-injured-in-another-night-of-deadly-clashes-383771">Jerusalem: Scores more injured in another night of deadly clashes</a> 
 
In his Sunday address, Pope Francis also prayed for victims of an explosion near a school in Kabul.

"We pray for the victims of the terrorist attack that took place yesterday in Kabul. An inhumane action that hit many girls as they left school. Let us pray for each of them and their families, and may God grant peace to Afghanistan," Francis said.

"There are so many Colombians here, let's pray for your homeland", the pontiff added, expressing his concern for clashes in Colombia.

Demonstrations began last week in the Andean country fuelled by outrage at a plan to raise sales taxes. That proposal was cancelled but protesters' demands now include a basic income and the withdrawal of a long-debated health reform that opponents say is too vague to correct inequalities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday (May 9) gave out a call to end violence in Jerusalem. He urged all parties to seek solution to respect the multicultural identity of the Holy City.

Pope Francis on Sunday (May 9) gave out a call to end violence in Jerusalem. He urged all parties to seek solution to respect the multicultural identity of the Holy City. Pope Francis was speaking at his Sunday address in Peter's Square "Violence breeds violence, stop clashes", he told pilgrims who gathered St. Peter's Square in Rome. On Saturday, Clashes erupted between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police outside the Old City of Jerusalem as tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers prayed at the nearby Al-Aqsa Mosque on Islam's holy night of Laylat al-Qadr. Also Read | Jerusalem: Scores more injured in another night of deadly clashes In his Sunday address, Pope Francis also prayed for victims of an explosion near a school in Kabul. "We pray for the victims of the terrorist attack that took place yesterday in Kabul. An inhumane action that hit many girls as they left school. Let us pray for each of them and their families, and may God grant peace to Afghanistan," Francis said. "There are so many Colombians here, let's pray for your homeland", the pontiff added, expressing his concern for clashes in Colombia. Demonstrations began last week in the Andean country fuelled by outrage at a plan to raise sales taxes. That proposal was cancelled but protesters' demands now include a basic income and the withdrawal of a long-debated health reform that opponents say is too vague to correct inequalities. (With inputs from agencies)

'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem

Pope Francis on Thursday hailed "tireless" work of medics in India during the second wave of coronavirus pandemic that has stretched the country's healthcare machinery beyond capacity. Pope urged the medics to stay strong in his message for India.

In a message to the Catholic Bishops' Conference in India, the pontiff offered his "heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness to all the Indian people".

"My thoughts go above all to the sick and their families, to those who care for them, and in particular to those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones," he said.&nbsp;

"I think too of the many doctors, nurses, hospital workers, ambulance drivers and those working tirelessly to respond to the immediate needs of their brothers and sisters.&nbsp;

"With deep appreciation I invoke upon all of them God's gifts of perseverance, strength and peace."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sputnik-light-russias-single-dose-covid-vaccine-will-be-produced-in-india-383304">Sputnik Light, Russia's single-dose Covid vaccine will be produced in India</a>

India has seen patients dying even in streets outside hospitals due to shortage of beds and oxygen.

The country on Thursday reported almost 4,000 Covid-19 deaths and more than 412,000 infections -- both new records -- dashing hopes that the catastrophic recent surge may have been easing following several days of falling case numbers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Thursday hailed "tireless" work of medics in India during the second wave of coronavirus pandemic that has stretched the country's healthcare machinery beyond capacity.

Pope Francis on Thursday hailed "tireless" work of medics in India during the second wave of coronavirus pandemic that has stretched the country's healthcare machinery beyond capacity. Pope urged the medics to stay strong in his message for India. In a message to the Catholic Bishops' Conference in India, the pontiff offered his "heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness to all the Indian people". "My thoughts go above all to the sick and their families, to those who care for them, and in particular to those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones," he said. "I think too of the many doctors, nurses, hospital workers, ambulance drivers and those working tirelessly to respond to the immediate needs of their brothers and sisters. "With deep appreciation I invoke upon all of them God's gifts of perseverance, strength and peace." Also Read | Sputnik Light, Russia's single-dose Covid vaccine will be produced in India India has seen patients dying even in streets outside hospitals due to shortage of beds and oxygen. The country on Thursday reported almost 4,000 Covid-19 deaths and more than 412,000 infections -- both new records -- dashing hopes that the catastrophic recent surge may have been easing following several days of falling case numbers. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India

Pope Francis said on Sunday that "now is the time for shame" after 130 migrants were feared dead in the Mediterranean and a UN organisation accused states of not responding to distress calls.

Merchant vessels and a charity ship searching the Mediterranean for boats with migrants found 10 bodies floating near a capsized rubber boat in international waters near Libya believed to have had 130 people on board, French humanitarian organisation SOS Mediterranee said on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-boat-with-130-aboard-capsizes-off-libya-ngo-379556">Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO</a>

"I confess to you that I am very pained over yet another tragedy in the Mediterranean," Francis said to hundreds of people in St. Peter's Square for his weekly blessing.

"They are people. They are human lives who for two entire days begged in vain for help, a help that never arrived. Brothers and sisters, let us all question ourselves over this, yet another tragedy. Now is the time for shame," he said.

The civilian hotline Alarm Phone had reported three boats were in distress on Wednesday, prompting SOS Mediterranee to launch a search.

Safa Msehli, a spokesperson for the U.N. International Organization for Migration (IOM), said on Friday that "states stood defiant and refused to act to save the lives of more than 100 people".

The pope asked for prayers for all migrants who die at sea as well as for "those who can help but prefer to look the other way. Let us pay in silence for them."

Libya, divided by civil conflict for years, is a major route for migrants seeking to reach Europe.

The IOM said the latest deaths would bring the tally for the central Mediterranean route to close to 500 people this year, more than triple the toll for the same period of 2020.

Pope Francis said on Sunday that "now is the time for shame" after 130 migrants were feared dead in the Mediterranean and a UN organisation accused states of not responding to distress calls.

Pope Francis said on Sunday that "now is the time for shame" after 130 migrants were feared dead in the Mediterranean and a UN organisation accused states of not responding to distress calls. Merchant vessels and a charity ship searching the Mediterranean for boats with migrants found 10 bodies floating near a capsized rubber boat in international waters near Libya believed to have had 130 people on board, French humanitarian organisation SOS Mediterranee said on Friday. Also read | Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO "I confess to you that I am very pained over yet another tragedy in the Mediterranean," Francis said to hundreds of people in St. Peter's Square for his weekly blessing. "They are people. They are human lives who for two entire days begged in vain for help, a help that never arrived. Brothers and sisters, let us all question ourselves over this, yet another tragedy. Now is the time for shame," he said. The civilian hotline Alarm Phone had reported three boats were in distress on Wednesday, prompting SOS Mediterranee to launch a search. Safa Msehli, a spokesperson for the U.N. International Organization for Migration (IOM), said on Friday that "states stood defiant and refused to act to save the lives of more than 100 people". The pope asked for prayers for all migrants who die at sea as well as for "those who can help but prefer to look the other way. Let us pay in silence for them." Libya, divided by civil conflict for years, is a major route for migrants seeking to reach Europe. The IOM said the latest deaths would bring the tally for the central Mediterranean route to close to 500 people this year, more than triple the toll for the same period of 2020.

Latest Mediterranean migrants tragedy a time for shame: Pope

Pope Francis made a rare Sunday outing from Vatican grounds to celebrate a mass on "divine mercy" with prisoners, refugees and health workers.

The service was held in a church just off St Peter's Square, in front of a reduced congregation of about 80 people, due to coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Among them, there were inmates of two Roman prisons and one youth detention centre; refugees from Syria, Nigeria and Egypt; and nursing staff from a nearby hospital.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-calls-for-equitable-vaccine-distributions-375338" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-calls-for-equitable-vaccine-distributions-375338&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiL66_A-fXvAhWKyDgGHYRBAMYQFjACegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ybSB0I8lKq4MYC6DYUwJH" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-calls-for-equitable-vaccine-distributions-375338" target="_blank">Pope Francis&nbsp;calls for equitable vaccine distributions</a>

In his homily, the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics stressed the importance for Christians of serving others.

"Sister, brother, do you want proof that God has touched your life? See if you can stoop to bind the wounds of others," he said.&nbsp;

"Let us not remain indifferent. Let us not live a one-way faith, a faith that receives but does not give... Having received mercy, let us now become merciful," Francis added.

The pope, who is 84 and was vaccinated for the coronavirus ahead of his trip to Iraq in early March, did not wear a face mask during the service.

Those who did readings from the bible were also unmasked, while everybody else in the church, including altar boys and other priests, had their masks on.

Pope Francis made a rare Sunday outing from Vatican grounds to celebrate a mass on "divine mercy" with prisoners, refugees and health workers. The service was held in a church just off St Peter's Square, in front of a reduced congregation of about 80 people, due to coronavirus restrictions.

Pope Francis made a rare Sunday outing from Vatican grounds to celebrate a mass on "divine mercy" with prisoners, refugees and health workers. The service was held in a church just off St Peter's Square, in front of a reduced congregation of about 80 people, due to coronavirus restrictions. Among them, there were inmates of two Roman prisons and one youth detention centre; refugees from Syria, Nigeria and Egypt; and nursing staff from a nearby hospital. Also read | Pope Francis calls for equitable vaccine distributions In his homily, the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics stressed the importance for Christians of serving others. "Sister, brother, do you want proof that God has touched your life? See if you can stoop to bind the wounds of others," he said. "Let us not remain indifferent. Let us not live a one-way faith, a faith that receives but does not give... Having received mercy, let us now become merciful," Francis added. The pope, who is 84 and was vaccinated for the coronavirus ahead of his trip to Iraq in early March, did not wear a face mask during the service. Those who did readings from the bible were also unmasked, while everybody else in the church, including altar boys and other priests, had their masks on.

Pope celebrates mass of 'mercy' with prisoners, refugees

Pope Francis led his Easter Mass in a virtually empty St. Peter's Basilica in an event scaled down by COVID-19 restrictions.

Pope Francis calls for equitable vaccine distributions

Pope Francis in his Easter message, urged countries for faster distribution of COVID-19 vaccines calling military expenses in the time of pandemic 'scandalous'.

Easter papal services were attended by small gathering in second year in a row due to coronavirus pandemic. The service took place at a secondary altar of St. Peter's Basilica instead of in the square outside.

After saying Mass, Francis read his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message, in which he traditionally reviews world problems and appeals for peace.

"The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nonetheless – and this is scandalous – armed conflicts have not ended and military arsenals are being strengthened," he said.

Francis, who would normally have given the address to up to 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square, spoke to fewer than 200 in the church while the message was broadcast to tens of millions around the world.

The square was empty except for a few police officers enforcing a strict three-day national lockdown.

Pope Francis asked God to comfort the sick and those who had lost a loved one. About unemployment, he urged the authorities to give families in need a "decent sustenance".

He praised medical workers, sympathised with young people unable to attend school, and said everyone was called to combat the pandemic.

"I urge the entire international community, in a spirit of global responsibility, to commit to overcoming delays in the distribution of vaccines and to facilitate their distribution, especially in the poorest countries," he said.

Francis, who has often called for disarmament and a total ban on the possession of nuclear weapons, said: "There are still too many wars and too much violence in the world! May the Lord, who is our peace, help us to overcome the mindset of war."

'INSTRUMENTS OF DEATH'

Noting that it was International Awareness Day against anti-personnel landmines, he called such weapons "insidious and horrible devices ... how much better our world would be without these instruments of death!"

In mentioning conflict areas, he singled out for praise "the young people of Myanmar committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully". More than 550 protesters have been killed since a Feb. 1 military coup in Myanmar, which the pope visited in 2017.

Francis called for peace in several conflict areas in Africa, including the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia and the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique. He said the crisis in Yemen has been "met with a deafening and scandalous silence".

He appealed to Israelis and Palestinians to "rediscover the power of dialogue" to reach a two-state solution where both can live side by side in peace and prosperity.

Francis said he realised many Christians were still persecuted and called for all restrictions on freedom of worship and religion worldwide to be lifted.

Pope Francis in his Easter message, urged countries for faster distribution of COVID-19 vaccines calling military expenses in the time of pandemic 'scandalous'. Easter papal services were attended by small gathering in second year in a row due to coronavirus pandemic.

Pope Francis in his Easter message, urged countries for faster distribution of COVID-19 vaccines calling military expenses in the time of pandemic 'scandalous'. Easter papal services were attended by small gathering in second year in a row due to coronavirus pandemic. The service took place at a secondary altar of St. Peter's Basilica instead of in the square outside. After saying Mass, Francis read his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message, in which he traditionally reviews world problems and appeals for peace. "The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nonetheless – and this is scandalous – armed conflicts have not ended and military arsenals are being strengthened," he said. Francis, who would normally have given the address to up to 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square, spoke to fewer than 200 in the church while the message was broadcast to tens of millions around the world. The square was empty except for a few police officers enforcing a strict three-day national lockdown. Pope Francis asked God to comfort the sick and those who had lost a loved one. About unemployment, he urged the authorities to give families in need a "decent sustenance". He praised medical workers, sympathised with young people unable to attend school, and said everyone was called to combat the pandemic. "I urge the entire international community, in a spirit of global responsibility, to commit to overcoming delays in the distribution of vaccines and to facilitate their distribution, especially in the poorest countries," he said. Francis, who has often called for disarmament and a total ban on the possession of nuclear weapons, said: "There are still too many wars and too much violence in the world! May the Lord, who is our peace, help us to overcome the mindset of war." 'INSTRUMENTS OF DEATH' Noting that it was International Awareness Day against anti-personnel landmines, he called such weapons "insidious and horrible devices ... how much better our world would be without these instruments of death!" In mentioning conflict areas, he singled out for praise "the young people of Myanmar committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully". More than 550 protesters have been killed since a Feb. 1 military coup in Myanmar, which the pope visited in 2017. Francis called for peace in several conflict areas in Africa, including the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia and the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique. He said the crisis in Yemen has been "met with a deafening and scandalous silence". He appealed to Israelis and Palestinians to "rediscover the power of dialogue" to reach a two-state solution where both can live side by side in peace and prosperity. Francis said he realised many Christians were still persecuted and called for all restrictions on freedom of worship and religion worldwide to be lifted.

Pope decries weapons spending during pandemic in his Easter message

Pope leads Palm Sunday service in Vatican, mass takes place in Jerusalem

Pope Francis urged people to fight organised crime such as the "mafias" on Sunday. He warned that criminals were using coronavirus pandemic for their own benefit.

"Mafias are present in various part of the world and, taking advantage of the pandemic, they are enriching themselves through corruption," Francis said, speaking at his Sunday noon address on the day Italy remembers victims of organised crime.

"These structures of sin, mafia structures, are against the gospel and mistake idolatry for faith," the pope added.

Italian police say that crime clans are using coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to win favour with people. Mafias are offering loans and food to poor families facing financial ruin. Mob loan demanding exorbitant interest rates are bailing out businesses hit by the pandemic, police say.

In December, the Paris-based Interpol police co-ordination issued a global alert warning that organised criminal networks were targeting COVID-19 vaccines. In March, South African police seized hundreds of fake vaccines and arrested four suspects.

In Italy, many members of organised crime see themselves as part of a religious, cult-like group, invoking the help of saints and using religious figurines or statues in initiation rites.

The southern town of Oppido Mamertina made headlines in 2014 when locals carrying a statue of the Madonna diverted the route of a procession to pause at the home of a mob boss and tilted the statue slightly as if to kneel in a sign of respect.

"Today, let us remember all the victims and renew our commitment against mafias," Francis said.

(With Reuters inputs)

Pope Francis urged people to fight organised crime such as the "mafias" on Sunday. He warned that criminals were using coronavirus pandemic for their own benefit.

Pope Francis urged people to fight organised crime such as the "mafias" on Sunday. He warned that criminals were using coronavirus pandemic for their own benefit. "Mafias are present in various part of the world and, taking advantage of the pandemic, they are enriching themselves through corruption," Francis said, speaking at his Sunday noon address on the day Italy remembers victims of organised crime. "These structures of sin, mafia structures, are against the gospel and mistake idolatry for faith," the pope added. Italian police say that crime clans are using coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to win favour with people. Mafias are offering loans and food to poor families facing financial ruin. Mob loan demanding exorbitant interest rates are bailing out businesses hit by the pandemic, police say. In December, the Paris-based Interpol police co-ordination issued a global alert warning that organised criminal networks were targeting COVID-19 vaccines. In March, South African police seized hundreds of fake vaccines and arrested four suspects. In Italy, many members of organised crime see themselves as part of a religious, cult-like group, invoking the help of saints and using religious figurines or statues in initiation rites. The southern town of Oppido Mamertina made headlines in 2014 when locals carrying a statue of the Madonna diverted the route of a procession to pause at the home of a mob boss and tilted the statue slightly as if to kneel in a sign of respect. "Today, let us remember all the victims and renew our commitment against mafias," Francis said. (With Reuters inputs)

Pope Francis vs Mafia? Holy Father urges people to fight organised crime

Despite being hailed as a reformist Pope, Pope Francis signed off on a Vatican decree that bars priests from blessing same-sex unions. The decree described homosexuality as a sin that cannot be blessed by God. WION's Palki Sharma decodes the Vatican's aversion to reform.

Gravitas: The Vatican shuts the door on same-sex unions

Pope Francis on Wednesday referred to the nun who kneeled to urge Myanmar security personnel to stop the violence.&nbsp;

"I, too, kneel on the streets of Myanmar and say, 'end the violence,'" the pope said.&nbsp;

"I too extend my arms and say, 'let dialogue prevail. Blood resolves nothing.'"

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-coup-india-reacts-to-the-situation-in-myanmar-371041/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ann Rose Nu Tawng's image of kneeling in front of the police went viral earlier this month and was praised worldwide as a symbol of peace to counter the junta's brutal crackdown.&nbsp;

"I knelt down... begging them not to shoot and torture the children, but to shoot me and kill me instead," the nun had told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

This was not sister Sister Ann Rose's first plea for mercy to the security forces. On February 28, she made a similar appeal, where she slowly walked towards armed police and knelt in a bid to stop 
the violence.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/138-killed-in-myanmars-anti-coup-protests-since-february-1-un-370753">138 killed in Myanmar's anti-coup protests since February 1: UN</a>

Meanwhile, the pope repeatedly urged for to stop of violence in Myanmar since the February 1 coup that ousted and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

For weeks, the protests against the Myanmar military have intensified and in harsh retaliation faced by the junta to quell the demonstrations, nearly 200 protesters have lost their lives.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pope Francis on Wednesday referred to the nun who kneeled to urge Myanmar security personnel to stop the violence. "I, too, kneel on the streets of Myanmar and say, 'end the violence,'" the pope said.

Pope Francis on Wednesday referred to the nun who kneeled to urge Myanmar security personnel to stop the violence. "I, too, kneel on the streets of Myanmar and say, 'end the violence,'" the pope said. "I too extend my arms and say, 'let dialogue prevail. Blood resolves nothing.'" Watch | Ann Rose Nu Tawng's image of kneeling in front of the police went viral earlier this month and was praised worldwide as a symbol of peace to counter the junta's brutal crackdown. "I knelt down... begging them not to shoot and torture the children, but to shoot me and kill me instead," the nun had told news agency AFP. This was not sister Sister Ann Rose's first plea for mercy to the security forces. On February 28, she made a similar appeal, where she slowly walked towards armed police and knelt in a bid to stop the violence. Also read | 138 killed in Myanmar's anti-coup protests since February 1: UN Meanwhile, the pope repeatedly urged for to stop of violence in Myanmar since the February 1 coup that ousted and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. For weeks, the protests against the Myanmar military have intensified and in harsh retaliation faced by the junta to quell the demonstrations, nearly 200 protesters have lost their lives.

'I too kneel,' says Pope Francis about Myanmar nun who tried to stop violence

The Vatican has forbidden blessings to same-sex relationships. In the latest decree by Pope Francis, the Vatican has said that priest can not bless same-sex unions.

Rome: Vatican says Church cannot bless same-sex unions

The Vatican decree, issued by Pope Francis, says that the Catholic church 'cannot bless same-sex unions.' The Vatican statement also calls homosexuality a 'sin' & a 'choice.' Molly Gambhir gets you the details.

Vatican forbids blessings to same-sex marriages

The&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;said on Monday that priests and other Roman Catholic Church ministers cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are "not licit" if carried out.

The ruling was a response to practices in some countries, such as the United States and Germany, where parishes and ministers have begun blessing same-sex unions in lieu of marriage, and calls for bishops to defacto institutionalise these.

In response to formal questions from a number of dioceses on whether this practice was allowed, the&nbsp;Vatican's doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), issued the ruling: "Negative".

Pope Francis approved the response, the CDF said, adding that it was "not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite".

It said such blessings were not permissible even though they were "motivated by a sincere desire to welcome and accompany homosexual persons" and help them grow in the faith. The Roman Catholic Church has 1.3 billion members.

The CDF note said that since marriage between a man and a woman was a sacrament and blessings are related to the sacrament of marriage, they could not be extended to same-sex couples.

"For this reason, it is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (i.e., outside the indissoluble union of a man and a woman open in itself to the transmission of life), as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex," it said.

At least two German bishops, including Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, who is one of the pope's top advisors, have expressed support for some kind of "pastoral" blessing for same-sex unions.

But the CDF note approved by the pope ruled this out.

"The presence in such relationships of positive elements, which are in themselves to be valued and appreciated, cannot justify these relationships and render them legitimate objects of an ecclesial blessing, since the positive elements exist within the context of a union not ordered to the Creator’s plan," the note said.

The Church teaches that gay tendencies are not sinful but gay acts are and that gay people must be treated with respect.

Last year, the&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;had to move to clarify comment attributed to Pope Francis on civil union laws in a documentary, saying they were taken out of context and did not signal a change in Church doctrine on gay people or support for same-sex marriage.

The comments attributed to the pope in the film alarmed conservatives.

Reporters later discovered that two separate quotes in response to separate questions were spliced to appear as one, deleting the intervening context and questions.

The Vatican said on Monday that priests and other Roman Catholic Church ministers cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are "not licit" if carried out.

The Vatican said on Monday that priests and other Roman Catholic Church ministers cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are "not licit" if carried out. The ruling was a response to practices in some countries, such as the United States and Germany, where parishes and ministers have begun blessing same-sex unions in lieu of marriage, and calls for bishops to defacto institutionalise these. In response to formal questions from a number of dioceses on whether this practice was allowed, the Vatican's doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), issued the ruling: "Negative". Pope Francis approved the response, the CDF said, adding that it was "not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite". It said such blessings were not permissible even though they were "motivated by a sincere desire to welcome and accompany homosexual persons" and help them grow in the faith. The Roman Catholic Church has 1.3 billion members. The CDF note said that since marriage between a man and a woman was a sacrament and blessings are related to the sacrament of marriage, they could not be extended to same-sex couples. "For this reason, it is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (i.e., outside the indissoluble union of a man and a woman open in itself to the transmission of life), as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex," it said. At least two German bishops, including Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, who is one of the pope's top advisors, have expressed support for some kind of "pastoral" blessing for same-sex unions. But the CDF note approved by the pope ruled this out. "The presence in such relationships of positive elements, which are in themselves to be valued and appreciated, cannot justify these relationships and render them legitimate objects of an ecclesial blessing, since the positive elements exist within the context of a union not ordered to the Creator’s plan," the note said. The Church teaches that gay tendencies are not sinful but gay acts are and that gay people must be treated with respect. Last year, the Vatican had to move to clarify comment attributed to Pope Francis on civil union laws in a documentary, saying they were taken out of context and did not signal a change in Church doctrine on gay people or support for same-sex marriage. The comments attributed to the pope in the film alarmed conservatives. Reporters later discovered that two separate quotes in response to separate questions were spliced to appear as one, deleting the intervening context and questions.

In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions

Calling Syrian war one of the worst humanitarian crises of current times, Pope Francis on Sunday said that 10th anniversary of the civil war should speed up peace efforts. Pope Francis offered prayers in his traditional Sunday blessing at St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

"I renew my heartfelt appeal so that all sides in the conflict show a sign of goodwill so that a sliver of hope can open up for the worn-out population," Francis told several hundred people in St. Peter's Square.

Syria had seen "every type of violence and enormous suffering by the population, particularly the most vulnerable, such as children, women and the elderly," said the pope, who last Monday returned from a trip to bordering Iraq.

In mid-March, 2011, peaceful pro-democracy protests snowballed into a bloody conflict that sucked in major world powers. The civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more.

In his Sunday message, the Pope called for "decisive" commitment from the international community to end fighting.

He then led the crowd in prayer for the "beloved and martyred Syria."

(With AFP inputs)

Calling Syrian war one of the worst humanitarian crises of current times, Pope Francis on Sunday said that 10th anniversary of the civil war should speed up peace efforts.

Calling Syrian war one of the worst humanitarian crises of current times, Pope Francis on Sunday said that 10th anniversary of the civil war should speed up peace efforts. Pope Francis offered prayers in his traditional Sunday blessing at St Peter's Square in Vatican City. "I renew my heartfelt appeal so that all sides in the conflict show a sign of goodwill so that a sliver of hope can open up for the worn-out population," Francis told several hundred people in St. Peter's Square. Syria had seen "every type of violence and enormous suffering by the population, particularly the most vulnerable, such as children, women and the elderly," said the pope, who last Monday returned from a trip to bordering Iraq. In mid-March, 2011, peaceful pro-democracy protests snowballed into a bloody conflict that sucked in major world powers. The civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more. In his Sunday message, the Pope called for "decisive" commitment from the international community to end fighting. He then led the crowd in prayer for the "beloved and martyred Syria." (With AFP inputs)

Pope says 10th anniversary of Syrian war must speed up peace efforts

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

Pope Francis thanked the people of Iraq on Wednesday for allowing him to make his historic trip to the country, saying&nbsp;the country's people have a right to live in peace and condemned weapons manufacturers and traffickers for selling arms to "terrorists".

In his weekly audience, the 84-year-old pope reflected on the packed three-day programme that saw him travel throughout Iraq last weekend, offering encouragement to persecuted Christians and extending a hand to Shiite Muslims.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-legacy-of-the-popes-visit-to-iraq-368981/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The Iraqi people have a right to live in peace, they have a right to rediscover the dignity that belongs to them," he said, adding that war was always "the monster that mutates over the epochs" to neighbours against each other with weapons.

Iraq suffers from chronic mismanagement and corruption, and a steady level of violence often linked to the rivalry between Iran and the United States in the region 18 years after the US&nbsp;invasion of Iraq.

On Sunday the 84-year-old&nbsp;pope&nbsp;saw ruins of houses and churches in the northern city of Mosul that was occupied by the Islamic State from 2014 to 2017.

"And I asked myself (during the trip), 'who sold the weapons to the terrorists?, who sells weapons to terrorists today who are carrying out massacres elsewhere, for example, in Africa,'" he said, departing from his prepared address. "It is a question that I would like someone to answer."

"The answer is not war, the answer is fraternity. It is a challenge for iraq but not only, it is a challenge for many regions in conflict, and in the end, for the whole world," he said.

He said his meeting on Saturday in the holy city of Najaf with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, one of the most influential figures in Shi’ite Islam, both within Iraq and beyond, "unforgettable".

Francis said he felt compelled to make the visit, which saw the tightest security ever for a papal trip, to be close to "that martyred people, that martyred Church".

Iraq's Christian community, one of the oldest in the world, has been particularly devastated, falling to about 300,000 from about 1.5 million before the U.S. invasion and the brutal Islamist militant violence that followed.

Hours after the&nbsp;pope&nbsp;left on Monday, Iraq's prime minister Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi called on the country's rival political groups to use dialogue to solve their differences, a move he said would reflect the "love and tolerance" shown by the&nbsp;pope.

Many in Iraq hope the Papal visit will garner more international support for Kadhimi's government to handle sensitive crises, including reining in Iran-backed militias whose power and influence Kadhimi has sought to curb since taking office in May 2020.

Pope Francis thanked the people of Iraq on Wednesday for allowing him to make his historic trip to the country, saying the country's people have a right to live in peace and condemned weapons manufacturers and traffickers for selling arms to "terrorists".

Pope Francis thanked the people of Iraq on Wednesday for allowing him to make his historic trip to the country, saying the country's people have a right to live in peace and condemned weapons manufacturers and traffickers for selling arms to "terrorists". In his weekly audience, the 84-year-old pope reflected on the packed three-day programme that saw him travel throughout Iraq last weekend, offering encouragement to persecuted Christians and extending a hand to Shiite Muslims. "The Iraqi people have a right to live in peace, they have a right to rediscover the dignity that belongs to them," he said, adding that war was always "the monster that mutates over the epochs" to neighbours against each other with weapons. Iraq suffers from chronic mismanagement and corruption, and a steady level of violence often linked to the rivalry between Iran and the United States in the region 18 years after the US invasion of Iraq. On Sunday the 84-year-old pope saw ruins of houses and churches in the northern city of Mosul that was occupied by the Islamic State from 2014 to 2017. "And I asked myself (during the trip), 'who sold the weapons to the terrorists?, who sells weapons to terrorists today who are carrying out massacres elsewhere, for example, in Africa,'" he said, departing from his prepared address. "It is a question that I would like someone to answer." "The answer is not war, the answer is fraternity. It is a challenge for iraq but not only, it is a challenge for many regions in conflict, and in the end, for the whole world," he said. He said his meeting on Saturday in the holy city of Najaf with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, one of the most influential figures in Shi’ite Islam, both within Iraq and beyond, "unforgettable". Francis said he felt compelled to make the visit, which saw the tightest security ever for a papal trip, to be close to "that martyred people, that martyred Church". Iraq's Christian community, one of the oldest in the world, has been particularly devastated, falling to about 300,000 from about 1.5 million before the U.S. invasion and the brutal Islamist militant violence that followed. Hours after the pope left on Monday, Iraq's prime minister Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi called on the country's rival political groups to use dialogue to solve their differences, a move he said would reflect the "love and tolerance" shown by the pope. Many in Iraq hope the Papal visit will garner more international support for Kadhimi's government to handle sensitive crises, including reining in Iran-backed militias whose power and influence Kadhimi has sought to curb since taking office in May 2020.

Pope Francis thanks Iraqis for visit, saying they have right to live in peace

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 said on Monday that he decided to visit Iraq despite a rise in COVID-19 cases after much prayer and contemplation and suggested God would protect those who came to see him from the virus.

Speaking to reporters on the plane returning from his trip, Francis also said he realised that some conservative Catholics would see his meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, as "one step from heresy" but that sometimes it was necessary to take a risk in inter-religious relations.

The 84-year-old Francis, speaking while standing for about 50 minutes, said the trip, his first foreign visit in 16 months, had left him much more fatigued than previous ones.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/historic-iraq-visit-of-pope-francis-all-you-need-to-know-368915/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But he said he felt "reborn" after "feeling like I was imprisoned" by coronavirus restrictions. He added that "84 years do not come without baggage" and that he could not say if he would make fewer trips in the future.

While mask and social distancing regulations were respected at some indoor papal gatherings, where participation was limited, thousands of mostly young people attended a Mass at Erbil stadium on Sunday night and most were not abiding by the rules.

The pope has often urged people to respect the guidelines of local authorities and the Vatican said before the trip they were confident that Iraqi officials would be able to make people follow the rules.

A reporter asked if he worried that people who came to see him could get sick and possibly even die.

"Trips cook slowly overtime in my conscience. And this (the virus threat) is one of the things that most made me think 'perhaps, perhaps'," Francis said.

"I thought about it a lot, I prayed a lot over this. And in the end, I took the decision freely. It came from within and I said 'the one who allows me to decide this way will look after the people'," he said, apparently referring to God.

"That is how I made the decision, after prayer and after awareness of the risks," he said.

"Great sage"

One of the most significant moments of the trip was the pope's meeting on Saturday in the holy city of Najaf with the 90-year-old Sistani, one of the most influential figures in Shi'ite Islam, both within Iraq and beyond.

"Sometimes you just have to take a risk," he said of the meeting.

"There are some critics who say that the pope is not courageous, but reckless, that he is doing things against Catholic doctrine that are one step away from heresy," he said.

Throughout his papacy, conservatives have criticised his opening to the Muslim world, including the signing in 2019 of a joint document on inter-religious fraternity during a visit to Abu Dhabi. That visit was the first by a pope to the Arabian peninsula, home of Islam's most sacred sites.

"These are risks but these decision are always taken in prayer," he said, adding that he found Sistani to be "a great sage, a man of God", and that the meeting "did my soul good".

On Sunday morning in Mosul, Francis heard Muslim and Christian residents in the ruined city tell of their lives under Islamic State, which occupied it from 2014 to 2017.

He told reporters the visit to Mosul, where he sat surrounded by the wreckage of buildings, dangling concrete staircases, and cratered ancient churches, had left him shocked by the "unbelievable cruelty" that took place.

Francis said he badly wanted to make a visit to Lebanon as soon as possible to show solidarity with the people of all religions suffering there.

Pope Francis said on Monday that he decided to visit Iraq despite a rise in COVID-19 cases after much prayer and contemplation and suggested God would protect those who came to see him from the virus.

Pope Francis said on Monday that he decided to visit Iraq despite a rise in COVID-19 cases after much prayer and contemplation and suggested God would protect those who came to see him from the virus. Speaking to reporters on the plane returning from his trip, Francis also said he realised that some conservative Catholics would see his meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, as "one step from heresy" but that sometimes it was necessary to take a risk in inter-religious relations. The 84-year-old Francis, speaking while standing for about 50 minutes, said the trip, his first foreign visit in 16 months, had left him much more fatigued than previous ones. But he said he felt "reborn" after "feeling like I was imprisoned" by coronavirus restrictions. He added that "84 years do not come without baggage" and that he could not say if he would make fewer trips in the future. While mask and social distancing regulations were respected at some indoor papal gatherings, where participation was limited, thousands of mostly young people attended a Mass at Erbil stadium on Sunday night and most were not abiding by the rules. The pope has often urged people to respect the guidelines of local authorities and the Vatican said before the trip they were confident that Iraqi officials would be able to make people follow the rules. A reporter asked if he worried that people who came to see him could get sick and possibly even die. "Trips cook slowly overtime in my conscience. And this (the virus threat) is one of the things that most made me think 'perhaps, perhaps'," Francis said. "I thought about it a lot, I prayed a lot over this. And in the end, I took the decision freely. It came from within and I said 'the one who allows me to decide this way will look after the people'," he said, apparently referring to God. "That is how I made the decision, after prayer and after awareness of the risks," he said. "Great sage" One of the most significant moments of the trip was the pope's meeting on Saturday in the holy city of Najaf with the 90-year-old Sistani, one of the most influential figures in Shi'ite Islam, both within Iraq and beyond. "Sometimes you just have to take a risk," he said of the meeting. "There are some critics who say that the pope is not courageous, but reckless, that he is doing things against Catholic doctrine that are one step away from heresy," he said. Throughout his papacy, conservatives have criticised his opening to the Muslim world, including the signing in 2019 of a joint document on inter-religious fraternity during a visit to Abu Dhabi. That visit was the first by a pope to the Arabian peninsula, home of Islam's most sacred sites. "These are risks but these decision are always taken in prayer," he said, adding that he found Sistani to be "a great sage, a man of God", and that the meeting "did my soul good". On Sunday morning in Mosul, Francis heard Muslim and Christian residents in the ruined city tell of their lives under Islamic State, which occupied it from 2014 to 2017. He told reporters the visit to Mosul, where he sat surrounded by the wreckage of buildings, dangling concrete staircases, and cratered ancient churches, had left him shocked by the "unbelievable cruelty" that took place. Francis said he badly wanted to make a visit to Lebanon as soon as possible to show solidarity with the people of all religions suffering there.

Pope defends Iraqi trip despite COVID-19 risk, says God will provide

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

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