Under heavy security, Pope Francis held a historic closed-door meeting with Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and called for coexistence in a war-torn country
Pope Francis with Ayatollah al-Sistani
Photo:
Reuters
Historical Encounter in Iraq:
Pope Francis was scheduled during Shabbat with leading Shiite clerics in the country, including Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
According to a Reuters news agency, during a conversation between the two that took place at the home of local religious leader Najaf, the pope called for coexistence in Iraq, which is known for the many religious wars in its territory.
The pope's visit was held under heavy security to ensure his safety amid the security escalation in the country.
According to the Reuters publication, the pope's arrival in Iraq is a demonstration of solidarity with the Christian community in the country, which has suffered many casualties due to Islamist attacks.
Today there are about 300,000 Christians in Iraq - about one-fifth of the number recorded before the US invasion of the country in 2003.
Only if we succeed in regarding each other, with our differences, as members of the same human family, can we begin an effective process of reconstruction and leave a better, more just and more human world to the future generations.
#ApostolicJourney #Iraq
- Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 5, 2021
A tweet posted on Saturday to the Pope's official Twitter page read: "I apologize to heaven and our brethren for the great destruction and cruelty. How many have we prayed for peace in Iraq these years. God always listens and we must walk in his ways. Only if we can treat each other A human family - we can leave a better, fairer and more humane world for future generations. "
Later in the day, the Pope will attend an interfaith prayer in light, an archeological site attributed to light as demons - the birthplace of Abraham, under the heading "Prayer for the Sons and Daughters of Abraham",
Pope Francis' visit is expected to last until next Monday, during which he is expected to hold an interfaith prayer, entitled "Prayer for the Sons and Daughters of Abraham," to be held in the city of Or, located only 300 km from the capital Baghdad. An impressive archeological site exists in Or. Most dating to 1,900 BC - but rather neglected in the shadow of the country's many troubles.
Francis' visit is a historic repair to Saddam Hussein's damage, as in 1999 Pope John Paul II was scheduled to visit the country - but the visit was canceled due to difficulties in negotiations with the Iraqi dictator's government.
A visit by the previous pope, Benedict XVI, was also not possible due to the country's serious security problems.
Archaeologists hope that the important visit will draw attention to the ancient city, which is the cradle of monotheism according to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The Orr archeological site is located in the city of Nasiriya, where just last month five protesters were killed by Iraqi security forces fire.
Fearing a light attack when the pope arrives, many security forces are already deployed in the area.
