Pope Francis to visit Iraq in March

World 07:17 PM - 2021-02-08

Photo Credit: TIME

The Patriarch of the Chaldeans in Iraq and the world, Cardinal Louis Raphaël I Sako, emphasized that the visit of Pope Francis of the Vatican to Iraq represents a great openness to Iraq. 

 

The visit of Pope Francis comes after the official announcement last December despite the limitation of travel caused by Covid-19 and himself stated that “They will see that the pope is there in their country,” meaning Iraqis. 

 

Adding to that, in the question of why Pope thinks it is vital to visit Iraq despite the risks and limitation of travel that have been caused by the Covid-19, he answered “I am the pastor of people who are suffering,”. 

 

In an interview, Louis Raphaël I Sako said that "the Pope's visit to Iraq is the first in history," noting that "the Pope's visit represents a great openness to Iraq and will be an opportunity for Iraq and the Iraqis to open up to the world and build their civilization, culture, and narratives of their history." 

 

He added, "Iraq has suffered a lot, and it is an important country for Shia and Sunni Islam, as well as for Christians. It has the oldest church and the Pope is interested in visiting Iraq, and it is a historic visit that carries a message that includes respect for life and peace because all are brothers from one family and one must love each other and the other values ​​of peace and love that prevent killing.

 

Patriarch Sako pointed out that “ the Pope is willing to come to Iraq and there is no postponement of the visit indicating that the Pope’s visit may be postponed in the event of a significant spread of Coronavirus in Iraq which will be on March 5. 

 

 

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