The Tablet February 24, 2021
A woman walks past a mural of Pope Francis on a wall surrounding a church in Baghdad Feb. 22, 2021. Pope Francis plans to visit Iraq March 5-8. (Photo: CNS/Khalid al-Mousily, Reuters)
By Inés San Martín
ROME (Crux) – Father Naim Shoshandy has plenty of reasons to be angry: On March 23, 2014, the terrorist organization known as Islamic State murdered his 27-year-old brother, for no other reason other than the fact that he was a Christian.
Today, he welcomes Pope Francis’ “bravery” in deciding to visit the “martyred nation” of Iraq.
“The country is burning, but he is still going,” the priest told Crux over the phone. “It’s an act of bravery, for him to go to Iraq, the land of Abraham, as an apostle.”
Iraqi priest says Pope s visit an act of bravery and madness cruxnow.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cruxnow.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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See a photo from every day of a life‑changing year
Coronavirus pandemic. Social justice protests. The battle between Trump and Biden. 2020 was a historic year in many ways. We remember it through these stunning visuals.
Last updated: