SHARE Pope Francis's trip to Iraq is fuelling hope among members of Lebanon’s Iraqi community that the first-ever papal visit to their home country will bring stability and an end to years of violence that prompted many to flee. “This is a very important visit, especially during these difficult times when Arab countries are generally going through crisis, turbulences and protests,” said Layla Hamadan, an Iraqi immigrant. The Pope’s visit comes at a time of rising coronavirus infections and renewed violence in Iraq, which is caught in the middle of rising tensions between Iran and the United States.