Pope Francis, who made historic visit to Iraq, dies at 88
His historic trip to Iraq in March 2021—the first by a sitting pontiff to visit the nation, was one of the highlights of his pontificate. Pope Francis visited Baghdad, Najaf, Ur, Mosul, Qaraqosh, and Erbil over the course of four days, delivering a message of peace, reconciliation, and hope to a country that has been devastated by years of sectarian bloodshed and war.
During his tour, the Pope had a rare historic interfaith meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, one of the most powerful leaders of Shiite Islam.
Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani with Pope Francis in Iraq in 2021
Additionally, he spoke to displaced Christian communities in Qaraqosh and offered prayers amidst the rubble of churches in Mosul.
In a startling revelation years later, Pope Francis disclosed in his autobiography that he had survived two assassination attempts during his visit to Mosul. According to a report by Iraqi News, British intelligence uncovered planned suicide bombings targeting the Pope, but Iraqi security forces managed to thwart the attacks before they could be carried out.
Pope Francis's visit to Iraq inspired initiatives to promote national cohesion and solidarity, leaving a lasting impression.
In recognition of his meeting with Al-Sistani, the Iraqi government subsequently declared March 6 to be the Day of Tolerance and Coexistence.
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