Pope Francis in Iraq

Pope Francis is flanked by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi upon his arrival at Baghdad's international airport, Iraq, Friday, March 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

FaithNews

Pope Francis arrives in Iraq to rally Christians despite pandemic

Nicole Winfield - Associated PressSamya Kullab, Associated PressMarch 05, 2021

Francis’ plane touched down at Baghdad’s airport just before 2 p.m. local time. Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on hand to greet him.

The destroyed Al-Tahera Syriac Catholic Church is seen in Mosul, Iraq, on Feb. 22, 2021. The church was bombarded during the airstrike campaign that drove the Islamic State out of Mosul. (CNS photo/Thaier al-Sudani, Reuters)

FaithShort Take

Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq answers the prayers of the Christians who refuse to flee — and face extinction

Luma SimmsMarch 04, 2021

Refugees from the attacks on Christians in Iraq cannot help but feel bitter and forgotten, writes Luma Simms. Pope Francis’ upcoming visit is an opportunity to begin healing and seek religious harmony.

A security officer walks with a K-9 unit dog near a poster of Pope Francis in Baghdad on March 3, 2021. (CNS photo/Khalid al-Mousily, Reuters)

FaithVatican Dispatch

In video message, Pope Francis tells Iraq he will be visiting as a ‘penitent’ and a ‘pilgrim of peace’

Gerard O’ConnellMarch 04, 2021

Pope Francis told Iraqis that he will be visiting their country in three different roles: as a “penitent pilgrim,” a “pilgrim of peace” and a “pilgrim of hope.”

FaithVatican Dispatch

‘The Iraqi people are waiting for us’: Why Pope Francis is determined to take this historic trip

Gerard O’ConnellMarch 03, 2021

“They awaited St. John Paul II, who was not permitted to go. One cannot disappoint a people for the second time,” Pope Francis said ahead of his apostolic visit to Iraq, March 5 to March 8.