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VATICAN CITY (RNS) On his last full day in Iraq, Pope Francis told struggling Christians in the war-weary country to hold on to their roots and to forgive their oppressors, the better to put their energy toward restoring their hearts and homes destroyed by Islamic State occupation. “Now is the time to rebuild and to start afresh, relying on the grace of God, who guides the destinies of all individuals and peoples,” the pope said in Qaraqosh, a Christian town in Iraq’s Nineveh Plains, on Sunday (March 7). “You are not alone! The entire church is close to you, with prayers and concrete charity. And in this region, so many people opened their doors to you in time of need,” Francis said. ....
Pope Francis in Iraq brings hope to town crushed by ISIS Town of Qaraqosh was once largest Christian community in Iraq, then ISIS destroyed it. Pope Francis’s visit may boost the revival, residents tell Gareth Browne Pope Francis arrives to hold a mass at the Grand Immaculate Church, in the town of Qaraqosh. Reuters An Iraqi security force officer guards as people wait to greet Pope Francis in the town of Qaraqosh. Reuters Children with flags wait for Pope Francis to arrive at a meeting with the Qaraqosh community at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. AP Photo People wait for Pope Francis before his arrival inside the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, in the predominantly Christian town of Qaraqosh (Baghdeda). AFP ....