International News

Pope in Iraq: A Lesson on Human Fraternity

March 8, 2021

March 8 marks the end of Pope Francis’ emblematic trip to Iraq — it’s been filled with many firsts for the only pontiff to visit the Land of Abraham. There were places to go, people to meet, stories to tell and, of course, lessons on human fraternity to learn. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

  • Pope Francis smiles on the tarmac at Baghdad International Airport alongside Iraqi President Barham Salih and first lady Sarbagh Salih, March 8, 2021, before departing on his flight to Rome. (Photo: CNS/Vatican Media via Reuters)
  • Pope Francis participates in a memorial prayer for the victims of the war at Hosh al-Bieaa (church square) in Mosul, Iraq, March 7, 2021. (Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)
  • Pope Francis arrives to visit the community at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh, Iraq, March 7, 2021. (Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)
  • Women pray as they wait for Pope Francis to celebrate Mass at Franso Hariri Stadium in Irbil, Iraq, March 7, 2021. (Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)
  • Pope Francis signs a book with a message for Syriac Catholics at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Deliverance in Baghdad March 5, 2021. Also pictured, from left: Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan, Syriac Catholic Archbishop Ephrem Yousif Mansoor Abba of Baghdad and Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako of Baghdad. (Photo: CNS/Vatican Media via Reuters)
  • Children are seen near an image of Pope Francis during the pope's visit with the community at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh, Iraq, March 7, 2021. (Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)
  • The flag of Kurdistan is seen as Pope Francis greets the crowd before celebrating Mass at Franso Hariri Stadium in Irbil, Iraq, March 7, 2021. (Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)
  • Choir members are pictured before Pope Francis' arrival to celebrate Mass at Franso Hariri Stadium in Irbil, Iraq, March 7, 2021. (Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)
  • Pope Francis receives a gift during an interreligious meeting on the plain of Ur near Nasiriyah, Iraq, March 6, 2021. (Photo: CNS/Vatican Media)
  • There were no injuries reported in the fire at St. Mary Star of the Sea on Oct.12, but the church’s bell tor sustained minor damage, diocesan officials said. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)