Pope Francis continues the first papal trip to Iraq, despite fresh outbreaks of the coronavirus and fears of instability.
The big picture: The March 5-8 visit is intended to reassure Christians in Iraq who have been violently persecuted under the Islamic State. Francis also hopes for further links with Shia Muslims, AP notes.
- The journey comes after two decades of efforts to bring a Pope to the birthplace of Abraham, a prophet considered the patriarch of Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
Between the lines: Recent missile attacks and the presence of rogue Shia militias have heightened security concerns.
- According to Johns Hopkins University, the number of daily coronavirus cases in Iraq has also been increasing since the end of January.
- The Pope is expected to travel in an armored car with a security detail, according to AP.
Travel directions:
- March 5th: Welcome ceremony with civil authorities and visit with the President to the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. Visits the Syro Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation.
- 6 March: Visit with great Ayatollah al-Sistani in Najaf. Inter-religious gathering in Nassirya and mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Baghdad.
- March 7th: Meeting with religious and civil authorities from Iraqi Kurdistan in Erbil. Prayer for war victims and visit to Qaraqosh community in Mosul.
- 8 March: Farewell ceremony in Baghdad.