Pope Francis continues his first papal trip to Iraq, despite new outbreaks of coronavirus and fears of instability.
The whole picture: The March 5-8 visit is intended to reassure Iraqi Christians who have been violently persecuted under the Islamic State. Francis also hopes to continue ties with Shiite Muslims, the AP notes.
- The journey comes after two decades of attempts to bring a pope to the birthplace of Abraham, a prophet considered the patriarch of Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
Between the lines: Recent rocket attacks and the presence of rogue Shiite militias have raised concerns for security.
- The number of daily cases of coronavirus in Iraq has also increased since the end of January, according to Johns Hopkins University.
- The pope expects to travel in an armored car with security details on the AP.
Itinerary:
- March the 5th: Welcome ceremony with civilian authorities and visit with the President to the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. Visit the Syrian Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation.
- March 6: Visit with the Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani in Najaf. Inter-religious meeting at Nassirya and Liturgy at St. Joseph’s Chaldean Cathedral in Baghdad.
- March 7: Meeting with the religious and civil authorities of Iraqi Kurdistan in Erbil. Prayer for the victims of the war and visit with the Qaraqosh community in Mosul.
- 8 March: Baghdad farewell ceremony.