Pope Francis on Iraq visit calls for an end to violence and extremism The pontiff is making his first international trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Covid and security fears have made this his riskiest visit yet, but the 84-year-old insisted he was "duty-bound". He also said Iraq's dwindling Christian community should have a more prominent role as citizens with full rights, freedoms and responsibilities. | Khaleej Times

24K views · 1.3K reactions | Pope Francis landed in Baghdad on Friday, saying he felt duty-bound to make the "emblematic" visit because Iraq had suffered so much for so long. Adam Reed reports | INQUIRER.net | Facebook

2.8M views · 17K reactions |  HIGHLIGHTS | Iraq gave Pope Francis a colorful and joyful welcome that touched the world. At a time marked by the pandemic and recent violence in Iraq, these beautiful images from the first day of the papal visit have given hope to thousands. | Catholic News Agency | Facebook

On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq, Pope Francis celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the Chaldean Cathedral of St. Joseph in Baghdad. The Holy Father on Saturday told Iraq’s Catholics that they are precious in the eyes of God because they witness to the Beatitudes of Jesus in their daily life. He said they are witnesses who, by living the Beatitudes, are helping God fulfil His promises of peace. Read more at the Vatican News web portal: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-0