Pope Francis starts a historic trip to war-battered Iraq today, defying security fears and the pandemic to comfort one of the world's oldest and most persecuted Christian communities.
The 84-year-old says he is making the first-ever papal visit to Iraq as a "pilgrim of peace"
The 84-year-old says he is making the first-ever papal visit to Iraq as a "pilgrim of peace"
Christians in the Middle East.
#AFPGraphic showing the geographic spread of Christians in selected Middle Eastern countries and the percentage of each country's population they represent in the region
#AFPGraphic showing the geographic spread of Christians in selected Middle Eastern countries and the percentage of each country's population they represent in the region
Iraq's ancient Christian community, decimated by violence, fear.
Iraq's last two violent decades have hollowed out its Christian community which dates back two millennia.
Today, only 400,000 Christians remain in a mostly Muslim country of 40 million
u.afp.com/UGdU
Iraq's last two violent decades have hollowed out its Christian community which dates back two millennia.
Today, only 400,000 Christians remain in a mostly Muslim country of 40 million
u.afp.com/UGdU
#BREAKING Pope Francis lands in Iraq on first-ever papal visit
#UPDATE Pope Francis hails Iraq as a "cradle of civilisation" on the first day of a "long-awaited" trip to the country, aiming to encourage its dwindling Christians and deepen dialogue with its Muslims
VIDEO: Pope Francis shakes hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi upon his arrival in Baghdad
#UPDATE 'Silence the arms!' Pope Francis urges end to violence on historic Iraq trip
VIDEO: Pope Francis is welcomed by Iraqi President Barham Saleh as he arrives at the presidential palace in Baghdad, on the first papal visit to Iraq
#BREAKING Pope Francis addressed the faithful at Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad, where a jihadist attack in 2010 left dozens of worshippers dead
#UPDATE Pope thanks 'bishops, priests for remaining close to your people' in Iraq
Infographic shows the geographic spread of Christians in selected Middle Eastern countries and the percentage of each country's population they represent in the region
#AFPGraphics
#AFPGraphics
VIDEO: Pope Francis visits Our Lady of Salvation Syro-Catholic Cathedral on the first papal visit to Iraq
#UPDATE Pope Francis calls for an end to extremism and violence in his opening address on the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, long scarred by war and now gripped by coronavirus
u.afp.com/UGn6
u.afp.com/UGn6
Capping his first day in Iraq, Pope Francis was gifted a miniature of an extraordinary work of art depicting a stage on the path to Christ's crucifixion, designed by a Muslim artist
u.afp.com/UGhB
u.afp.com/UGhB
Hesitant handshakes, smiles blocked by masks and a strict no-hugging rule: the first-ever papal trip to Iraq will be all the more memorable for the pandemic-imposed restrictions
u.afp.com/UGhL
u.afp.com/UGhL
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