Pope Francis has ended his historic tour of Iraq, departing the capital Baghdad after visiting conflict-torn cities, meeting Muslim and Christian leaders and preaching peace and coexistence over war.
On Monday, Francis waved one last time before boarding the plane to the Vatican after Iraqi President Barham Salih accompanied the 84-year-old pontiff down a red carpet to his flight.
During the pope’s trip, the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, he toured four cities, including Mosul, the former ISIL (ISIS) stronghold where vast areas still lie in ruins.
In his addresses, he delivered messages of peaceful coexistence, urging coexistence and safety for all.
‘Let the guns fall silent’: Pope Francis shares message of hope on Iraq visit
Head of the Roman Catholic Church on four-day trip that takes in Iraq s historic and religious sites
Pope Francis gestures as he boards a plane to depart for Rome, at Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad. Reuters
Cardinals and ranking Catholic clergymen board the Alitalia Airbus A330 aircraft as Pope Francis bids farewell to other bishops and Iraq s President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh before departing from the Iraqi capital s Baghdad International. AFP
Iraq s President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh escort Pope Francis during the farewell ceremony for the pontiff at the Iraqi capital s Baghdad International Airport. AFP