Despite widespread speculation that Pope Francis and top Shi’a cleric Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani will sign a document on human fraternity during their meeting in Iraq next month, an Iraqi state official has said the rumors are false.
Iraq
Iraq: Full of Historic Sites Important to Understanding Christianity
Pope Francis hopes to embark on the first-ever papal visit to the biblical land of Iraq in early March in a spiritual pilgrimage of sorts to the place known in Arabic as the “land of the two rivers” — the mighty Tigris and Euphrates — and once renowned as Mesopotamia, the “cradle of civilization.”
Catholics in Qaraqosh, Iraq, Call It ‘Miracle’ That Pope Francis Will Visit
The largest Syriac Catholic congregation in the world is preparing physically and spiritually for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Qaraqosh, Iraq.
Ahead of Papal Visit, Iraq Closes Houses of Worship Due to COVID
Less than three weeks from Pope Francis’ highly anticipated trip to Iraq, the local government on Feb.14 announced new restrictions to try to curb the spread of COVID-19, which includes the closure of all houses of worship until the last day of his March 5-8 visit.
Iraqi Prelate Still Confident in Papal Visit Despite Recent Terrorism
Despite renewed security concerns after a series of recent terrorist attacks, one of Iraq’s top prelates has said preparations for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit are still underway, calling it a sign of hope that peace is possible in the war-torn nation.
Iraqi Catholics Asked to Pray For Pope Francis Visit to the Country Amid Uncertainty
The head of the Chaldean Catholic Church issued a petition on Jan.14 calling on Iraqi Catholics to pray at Sunday Masses that Pope Francis will be able to visit their country for the upcoming papal trip in March.
Vatican Cardinal Says Papal Trip to Iraq a ‘Sign of Hope’ for Struggling Local Church
According to Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, who heads the Vatican’s office for Eastern Churches, there’s “great concern” on the part of the Catholic Church regarding the return of Christians to Iraq.
Iraqi Parliament Formally Declares Christmas a National Holiday
In a move some have said is already a direct result of Pope Francis’ highly anticipated visit to the country in March, Iraqi parliament earlier this week voted to establish Christmas as an annual national holiday.
Iraqi Archbishop Says Papal Visit a ‘Courageous’ Decision
Church leaders in Iraq have praised Pope Francis’ decision to come in March amid a pandemic as a brave decision, voicing hope that his presence in the country will send a much-needed message of peace and solidarity, and will encourage Christians to stay, despite present difficulties.
Pope Francis Plans to Visit Iraq in March
Barring any obstacles caused by the global pandemic, Pope Francis is set to begin international travel again in 2021 by visiting Iraq in March, which would make him the first pope to visit this nation.
