At the end of the Mass in Erbil, Pope Francis praised the generosity and heroic testimony of the Iraqis and thanked all who made his visit possible.
Writer for Vatican News staff
Pope Francis expressed heartfelt gratitude to the local Church leaders in Erbil; to Mar Gewargis III, Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East; Christians of different denominations; Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda; and all the bishops, the government and civil authorities, and the many volunteers for their wonderful welcome and assistance.
To be Greeting came at the end of the mass that was celebrated in the Erbil on Sunday evening.
He warmly greeted the “beloved Kurdish people” and paid tribute to all Christians of different traditions, many of whom shed their blood here. “Yet our martyrs shine together like stars in the same sky!” said the Pope; and “from there they call us to walk together without hesitation toward the fulness of unity.”
While many shared testimonies of grief and loss, the Pope also recorded the stories of “hope and comfort,” mainly thanks to the “tireless charity work” of religious institutions of every faith that helped rebuild and social rebirth. The Pope offered special thanks to the umbrella organization ROACO which represents Catholic relief organizations.
“Iraq will always remain with me, in my heart,” said the Pope, encouraging everyone to “work together in unity for a future of peace and prosperity that leaves no one behind and discriminates against anyone.” He assured them of his prayers and called upon all men of goodwill to “work together to forge bonds of brotherhood and solidarity in the service of the common good and of peace … May God bless you all! May God Bless Iraq! ”