Pope Francis has called for an end to “violence and terrorism” in his opening speech on the first ever papal expedition to Iraq, long torn apart by war and now captured by the pandemic.
The 84-year-old embarked on a second wave of global pandemic and renewed security fears to a “long-awaited” journey to bring comfort to one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. -world, while also deepening his communication with Muslims.
“There may be an end to acts of violence and terrorism, groups and intolerance,” Francis urged in a keynote address at Baghdad’s main palace on Friday.
Francis landed in the afternoon at Baghdad International Airport, where he was welcomed by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, as well as groups showcasing Iraq’s diverse folk music and dance.
He then met with President Barham Salih – who had officially extended the invitation to the pontiff in 2019 – as well as other government and religious figures.
At the palace, the world’s 1.3 billion Catholic leader delivered a moving speech, highlighting the deep roots of Christianity in Iraq.
“The age-old presence of Christians in this land, and their contribution to the life of the country, is a rich heritage that they want to continue at the service of all,” said Pope Francis.
Pope Francis arrives at Baghdad International Airport [Andrew Medichini/AP Photo]
He urged Iraqi officials to “fight the scourge of corruption, abuse of power and disrespect for the law” in a country that has consistently been one of Transparency International’s most corrupt.
The pope, who was desperate for interfaith communication, also outlawed other Iraqi minorities.
“Here, amidst so many suffering, my thoughts turn to Yazidis, innocent victims of senseless and brutal temptation,” he said.
Just like the Christian people of Iraq, the Yazidi esoteric community was plundered in 2014 when ISIL (ISIS) swept through much of northern Iraq.
‘Impact’ on death
This visit is the first overseas trip since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which has left it feeling “caged” in Vatican City – and is considered a bold choice.
Iraq suffered decades of war, is still hunting for ISIL cells and is now facing a second spike of coronavirus disease, with more than 5,000 new cases and dozens of deaths per day.
Authorities have imposed a total lockout during the papal expedition, meaning Francis will not welcome large crowds as on other foreign tours.
He was vaccinated and was seen removing his mask on Friday to speak to officials and religious people in Baghdad, just days after Iraq launched their small inoculation campaign.
“I’ll try to follow instructions and not shake hands with everyone, but I don’t want to wait too long,” Francis said before he arrived.
Commenting on the launch, Eleanor Robson, who specializes in ancient Middle Eastern Science at Cambridge University, told Al Jazeera that the trip was important as it was “finally an opportunity to showcase Iraq. in a very different way ”.
Speaking from Baghdad, Simona Foltyn at Al Jazeera said that while the pope was “largely focused on the spiritual side of things, he was also concerned about some governing issues such as the corruption and injustice caused by them. deep concern for Iraqi minorities as Christians.
“It is very much here to inspire hope and promote peaceful harmony between Christians and Muslims.”
He was also seen walking with a bit of a limpet, possibly as a result of a severe bout of sciatica he suffered this year.
The pope will travel more than 1,400km (870 miles) by plane and helicopter, flying over areas where security forces are still fighting ISIL.
For short trips, Francis takes an armored car on newly paved roads with flowers and posters welcoming him warmly as “Baba al-Vatican”.
He will speak to the believers later Friday afternoon at the Church of Our Lady of Salvation in the commercial district of Karrada in Baghdad, where attendance has been restricted to allow social distance.
In 2010, armed groups stormed the church and killed 44 worshipers, two priests and many security guards in one of the bloodiest attacks on Iraqi Christians.
Now, stained glass windows in the church bear the names of the victims and a defiant message above the altar says, “Where is your victory, death?”
The pontiff will visit Ur, the birthplace of Prophet Abraham, revered by Christians, Muslims and claimants, and meet with 90-year-old Shia Muslim leader Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
The meeting with al-Sistani, which has a major influence on Shia Iraqi majority and in the country’s politics, is the first with a pope.