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Pope Francis in Iraq for Historic Visit

Sabina Castelfranco

   ROME - Pope Francis begins a long-desired trip to Iraq Friday, the
   firstto the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham by any head of the
   Catholic Church.

   Itis the first trip by Pope Francis to a foreigncountrysince the
   pandemic,and everyone on the papal plane has been vaccinated
   againstCOVID-19.It will be a challenge all the same, though,as cases in
   the country have surged and there are fears thatthose hoping to see the
   pope will forget the social distancing rules.
   Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi welcomes Pope Francis as he
   arrives at Baghdad International Airport to start his historic tour in
   Baghdad, Iraq, March 5, 2021.

   The Vatican's ambassador to Iraq, Archbishop Mitja Leskovar,recently
   tested positive for COVIDand is currently self-isolating,but the pope
   has insisted on going ahead with the visit.

   In a video message to the Iraqi people, Francis told them how he longed
   to meet them, see their faces and visit a land that is ancient and an
   extraordinary cradle ofcivilization.

   The pope said he was coming to Iraq as a "penitent pilgrim" to implore
   forgiveness and reconciliation after years of war and terrorism.

     My dear Christian brothers and sisters from [1]#Iraq, who have
     testified to your faith in Jesus amid harsh sufferings: I cannot
     wait to see you. I am honoured to encounter a Church of martyrs:
     thank you for your witness! [2]https://t.co/bgm76p31tM
     -- Pope Francis (@Pontifex) [3]March 4, 2021

   In his message, Francis added that he was coming to Iraq "as a pilgrim
   of peace in search of fraternity, animated by the desire to pray
   together and to walk together, also with brothers and sisters of other
   religious traditions, in thelandof Father Abraham, who unites Muslims,
   Jews and Christians in one family."

   Thepope, who was forced to cancel the trip to Iraq last year, is hoping
   to bring new encouragement to aChristian community that was heavily
   persecuted during the Islamic State insurgency.The number
   ofChristiansin Iraqhassignificantly dropped,to around 300,000. The pope
   referred in his message to a "martyred church" that he will behonoredto
   meet.

   He said there have been too many martyrs and that Iraqi people still
   have in their eyes "the images of destroyed houses and desecrated
   churches," and in their hearts "the wounds ofbroken hearts and
   abandoned homes."
   Pope Francis arrives at Baghdad International Airport where a welcoming
   ceremony is held to start his historic tour in Baghdad, Iraq, March 5,
   2021.

   Security is also a concern during the papal visit,as attacks have
   increased in recent weeks on civilian and military targets. The pope is
   expected to travel in anarmoredvehicle and not his usual popemobile.
   Vatican officials have said they are satisfied that Iraqi authorities
   will be able to provide the required protection for the papal visit.

   Francisis planning to visitseveralIraqicities during his visit,
   including Mosul, Erbil and Qaraqosh where he will meet people
   rebuilding their communities and churches. He will also visit Ur, the
   birthplace of the prophet Abraham. One of the highlights of his trip
   will undoubtedly be whenhe travels to the holy city of Najaf to meet
   the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the influential 90-year-old Shia
   Muslim cleric.
   A man takes selfies as he waits for the arrival of Pope Francis, at
   Baghdad Airport Road, in Baghdad, Iraq March 5, 2021.

References

   1. https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iraq?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
   2. https://t.co/bgm76p31tM
   3. https://twitter.com/Pontifex/status/1367459813790150659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

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