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History is written in Iraq. Disfigured by war and internal conflicts, terrorist attacks, and ethnic and religious disputes, this country has welcomed the first pope in history to set foot on Iraqi soil. A spiritual leader of more than a billion believers around the world, Pope Francis arrived in Baghdad on Friday, despite all the fears about the health and safety risks of such a delicate visit.
Here are the photos of the day:
The first pope to visit Iraq, a predominantly Muslim country but home to one of the oldest and most persecuted Christian communities, was received with great pomp and enthusiasm in Baghdad. The sovereign pontiff made an emotional call for peace and reconciliation between religions in Iraq, a state ravaged by war and civil conflict for decades.
“Let the weapons be silenced! Let their spread here and everywhere stop! End acts of violence and extremism, factions and intolerance. Let there be room for all those citizens who try to cooperate in the construction of this country through dialogue and sincere and constructive discussions, for citizens dedicated to reconciliation and prepared, for the common good, to put aside their own interests! said the Sovereign Pontiff.
Pope Francis visited the Syrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad, the scene of a bloody attack on Christians in 2010 that left more than 50 dead. In his speech, the holy father said that violence and hatred are incompatible with religion.
“I will meet with the leaders of the religious traditions present in this country to convey to them once again our belief that religion must serve the cause of peace and unity among all the children of God,” Pope Francis said.
For security reasons, Pope Francis uses an armored vehicle to travel to Iraq. It is unusual for the sovereign pontiff, who usually goes with the “popemobile” to visit.
The pontifical trip is considered very risky, firstly because of frequent attacks and political instability and secondly because of the accelerating COVID pandemic in Iraq. The pilgrimage to this state will take Pope Francis to four cities. This is the Pope’s first external visit since the start of the COVID pandemic.
Editor: Luana Pavaluca
