Despite risks, Iraqis want Pope Francis to go ahead with visit
Mar 4, 2021 rome bureau chief
A billboard showing Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, with Arabic that reads, "You are a part of us and we are a part of you," hangs on a street in Baghdad, Iraq, prior to the upcoming Pope visit, Monday, March 1, 2021. (Credit: Khalid Mohammed/AP.)
Pope Francis is set to become the first pontiff to set a foot in Iraq on Friday, when he lands in Baghdad after a four-hour trip from Rome.
ROME – Pope Francis is set to become the first pontiff to set a foot in Iraq on Friday, when he lands in Baghdad after a four-hour trip from Rome.