Pope Francis is moving forward with his first papal trip to Iraq, despite new outbreaks of coronavirus and fears of instability.
The big picture: The March 5-8 visit is aimed at reassuring Christians in Iraq who have been violently persecuted under Islamic State. Francisco also hopes to strengthen ties with Shiite Muslims, notes the AP.
- The trip comes after two decades of trying 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 Shi’ite militias have heightened security concerns.
- The number of daily coronavirus cases in Iraq has also increased since the end of January, according to Johns Hopkins University.
- The pope must travel in an armored car safely, by AP.
Itinerary:
- March 5th: Welcome ceremony with civil authorities and visit of the president at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. Visit the Siro-Catholic Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Salvação.
- March 6: Visit with Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani in Najaf. Interfaith meeting in Nassirya and Mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of St. Joseph in Baghdad.
- March 7: Meeting with religious and civilian officials from Iraqi Kurdistan in Erbil. Prayer for the victims of the war and visit to the Qaraqosh community in Mosul.
- March 8th: Farewell ceremony in Baghdad.