Historic visit of Pope Francis to Iraq: the pontiff landed in Baghdad and was welcomed by the Iraqi prime minister and two children.
“You are all brothers” is the message that will accompany Pope Francis on his trip to Iraq, which began this morning and will end on March 8. The Pope, strictly wearing a mask, upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport, was welcomed by Prime Minister Mustafa Abdellatif Mshatat, known as Al-Kadhimi. Two children in traditional dress handed the Pontiff a bouquet of flowers. After the presentation of their respective delegations and the Guard of Honor, Bergoglio and the Prime Minister went to the VIP Lounge of the Airport for a brief private meeting. At the end of the meeting, after the official photos, Francis will transfer by car to the presidential palace for the official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace and for the courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Iraq.
As he left Italy, the Holy Father sent the usual overflight telegram to the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, with the wish for prosperity and serenity extended to the entire population. In a video message to the Iraqi people, released yesterday on the eve of his departure for Baghdad, Pope Francis invited Christians and the faithful of every religious tradition to "strengthen fraternity, to build a future of peace together". In the message, the Pope implored "forgiveness and reconciliation after years of war and terrorism". He said he was coming to Iraq first and foremost as a "penitent pilgrim" and as a "pilgrim of peace". In his message, the Pope said he was honored to meet "a martyr Church" like the Iraqi one that bore witness to faith in Jesus amid "extremely difficult trials": "Thank you for your testimony". The Pope concluded his message by reminding the Iraqis: “From you, thousands of years ago, Abraham began his journey. It is up to us to continue it, with the same spirit, walking together the paths of peace!”
Article published on March 5, 2021 - 12pm
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