Pope Francis holds mass in St Joseph Cathedral in Iraq

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

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

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

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

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

Pope Francis, on Sunday, will meet Iraqi Christian who suffered under the Islamic State (IS) group. He will lead a prayer "for the victims of the war" in Mosul. Pope Francis is on a historic tour to Iraq. This is first-ever papal visit to the country. His tour on Sunday will take him to Mosul, an ancient city which became a stronghold of the Islamic State when the terrorist group swept across Iraq and Syria.

84-year-old Pope met Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani on Saturday which was hailed as a 'historic moment'.

"We all hope that this visit will be a good omen for the Iraqi people," Adnane Youssef, a Christian from northern Iraq, told AFP. "We hope that it will lead to better days."

On Saturday, Pope Francis commented on use of religion by terrorists.

"We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion," Francis said at an interfaith service

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.

Pope Francis on Saturday, held his first public mass on his Iraq tour in church of St. Joseph in central Baghdad.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity", said one worshipper as she wiped away tears and cheered as the Pope left the Saint Joseph Chaldean Cathedral.

He's the first head of the Roman Catholic church to preside over a mass in Iraq.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-top-shiite-cleric-plead-for-peace-in-historic-iraq-meeting-368503">Pope Francis, top Shiite cleric plead for 'peace' in historic Iraq meeting</a>

"This very important visit will boost our morale after years of difficulties, problems and wars," said an Iraqi Christian leader, Father George Jahoula.&nbsp;

Rebuilding efforts&nbsp;

Back in 2014, when IS militants swept across one-third of Iraq, Pope Francis had said he was ready to come to meet the displaced and other victims of war. &nbsp;

Seven years later, after a stop early Sunday in the Kurdish north of Iraq, he will see for himself the devastated Old City of Mosul and efforts to rebuild it.

Pope Francis will also visit Qaraqosh, further east in the Nineveh Plain, which is one of Iraq's oldest Christian towns.

(With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis, on Sunday, will meet Iraqi Christian who suffered under the Islamic State (IS) group. He will lead a prayer "for the victims of the war" in Mosul. Pope Francis is on a historic tour to Iraq.

Pope Francis, on Sunday, will meet Iraqi Christian who suffered under the Islamic State (IS) group. He will lead a prayer "for the victims of the war" in Mosul. Pope Francis is on a historic tour to Iraq. This is first-ever papal visit to the country. His tour on Sunday will take him to Mosul, an ancient city which became a stronghold of the Islamic State when the terrorist group swept across Iraq and Syria. 84-year-old Pope met Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani on Saturday which was hailed as a 'historic moment'. "We all hope that this visit will be a good omen for the Iraqi people," Adnane Youssef, a Christian from northern Iraq, told AFP. "We hope that it will lead to better days." On Saturday, Pope Francis commented on use of religion by terrorists. "We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion," Francis said at an interfaith service 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. Pope Francis on Saturday, held his first public mass on his Iraq tour in church of St. Joseph in central Baghdad. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity", said one worshipper as she wiped away tears and cheered as the Pope left the Saint Joseph Chaldean Cathedral. He's the first head of the Roman Catholic church to preside over a mass in Iraq. Also Read | Pope Francis, top Shiite cleric plead for 'peace' in historic Iraq meeting "This very important visit will boost our morale after years of difficulties, problems and wars," said an Iraqi Christian leader, Father George Jahoula. Rebuilding efforts Back in 2014, when IS militants swept across one-third of Iraq, Pope Francis had said he was ready to come to meet the displaced and other victims of war. Seven years later, after a stop early Sunday in the Kurdish north of Iraq, he will see for himself the devastated Old City of Mosul and efforts to rebuild it. Pope Francis will also visit Qaraqosh, further east in the Nineveh Plain, which is one of Iraq's oldest Christian towns. (With AFP inputs)

Pope to meet Iraqi Christians in former Islamic State strongholds 

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

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

The historic meeting of Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shiite Islam's top clerics, was well received across Iranian media.

The meeting became front-page news in Iran Sunday, with some media declaring it a chance for peace in the neighbouring country.

The pontiff's historic visit to Iraq that began on Friday. Tehran, with its allies within Baghdad's state-sponsored Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, helped Iraqi troops defeat the Sunni jihadist Islamic State (IS) group at the end of 2017.

Iran's reformist Sazandegi daily said the two religious leaders are now "the standard-bearers of world peace" and called their meetings "the most effective event (in the history of) dialogue between religions".

Another reformist daily, Shargh, said it was "a symbolic spectacle showing the importance of cooperation between followers of different religions".

"Victory for Shiism and Christianity," wrote the government-run Iran daily in a front-page column, saying that the pope's visit showed that "Christianity is alive in Iraq" despite the "suffering" caused by the IS.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-prays-for-victims-of-war-in-mosul-a-former-islamic-state-stronghold-in-iraq-368586">Also read |&nbsp;Pope Francis prays for 'victims of war' in Mosul, a former Islamic State stronghold in Iraq</a>

Iran's conservative dailies noted that the return of security to Iraq was the result of efforts by "resistance" forces, recalling Sistani's call in 2014 for Iraqis to take up arms against the jihadists.

"Pope Francis and many western countries must be aware that this freedom (to travel to Iraq) owes much to the blood of the courageous youth of the resistance axis and the wisdom of the Shiite authority," said the ultraconservative Resalat.

It added that the meeting could be "a valuable opportunity for peace and to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people, especially the Christians affected by the Islamic State's invasion".

Another ultraconservative publication, Kayhan, said that "the security of Iraqi Christians" and Muslims was made possible through the "sacrifice" of "young Iraqis" commanded by Iran's General Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020.

(with inputs from AFP)

The historic meeting of Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shiite Islam's top clerics, was well received across Iranian media. The meeting became front-page news in Iran Sunday, with some media declaring it a chance for peace in the neighbouring country.

The historic meeting of Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shiite Islam's top clerics, was well received across Iranian media. The meeting became front-page news in Iran Sunday, with some media declaring it a chance for peace in the neighbouring country. The pontiff's historic visit to Iraq that began on Friday. Tehran, with its allies within Baghdad's state-sponsored Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, helped Iraqi troops defeat the Sunni jihadist Islamic State (IS) group at the end of 2017. Iran's reformist Sazandegi daily said the two religious leaders are now "the standard-bearers of world peace" and called their meetings "the most effective event (in the history of) dialogue between religions". Another reformist daily, Shargh, said it was "a symbolic spectacle showing the importance of cooperation between followers of different religions". "Victory for Shiism and Christianity," wrote the government-run Iran daily in a front-page column, saying that the pope's visit showed that "Christianity is alive in Iraq" despite the "suffering" caused by the IS. Also read | Pope Francis prays for 'victims of war' in Mosul, a former Islamic State stronghold in Iraq Iran's conservative dailies noted that the return of security to Iraq was the result of efforts by "resistance" forces, recalling Sistani's call in 2014 for Iraqis to take up arms against the jihadists. "Pope Francis and many western countries must be aware that this freedom (to travel to Iraq) owes much to the blood of the courageous youth of the resistance axis and the wisdom of the Shiite authority," said the ultraconservative Resalat. It added that the meeting could be "a valuable opportunity for peace and to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people, especially the Christians affected by the Islamic State's invasion". Another ultraconservative publication, Kayhan, said that "the security of Iraqi Christians" and Muslims was made possible through the "sacrifice" of "young Iraqis" commanded by Iran's General Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020. (with inputs from AFP)

Iranian media hails Pope-Sistani meeting as chance for peace

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

Pope Francis will visit the former ISIS stronghold Mosul on Sunday

Pope Francis 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?

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