The Pope in Mosul, in northern Iraq, prays for the victims of war and armed conflicts.
"Here in Mosul the tragic consequences of war and hostilities are all too evident. How cruel that this country, the cradle of civilization, has been hit by such an inhuman storm, with ancient places of worship destroyed and thousands and thousands of people , Muslims, Christians, Yazidis who have been annihilated "by terrorism" and others forcibly displaced or killed! ".
"Today, despite everything, we reaffirm our conviction that fraternity is stronger than fratricide, that hope is stronger than death, that peace is stronger than war".
The ruins of the war are still visible in Piazza delle Chiese.
The streets and churches of the city bear the marks of devastation.
Mosul is armored, with empty streets and a massive presence of military and police.
"The tragic shrinking of the disciples of Christ, here and throughout the Middle East, is an incalculable damage not only for the people and communities concerned, but for the very society they leave behind," said the Pope. "A The cultural and religious fabric so rich in diversity is weakened by the loss of any of its members, however small. As in one of your artistic rugs, a small torn thread can damage the whole. "
The Pope then meets in Qaraqosh the Christian community which in 2014 was chased away by ISIS and which has only recently been returning.
"With great sadness, we look around and see other signs, the signs of the destructive power of violence, hatred and war. How many things have been destroyed! And how much must be rebuilt! This meeting of ours - said Pope Francis - demonstrates that terrorism and death never have the last word. The last word belongs to God "," even in the midst of the ravages of terrorism and war, we can see, with the eyes of faith, the triumph of life over death".