Pope Francis begins apostolic visit to Iraq
- Written by Prensa Latina
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Pope Francis arrived in Baghdad on Friday on a three-day apostolic visit to Iraq with activities planned in this capital, the Plain of Ur and the cities of Najaf, Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh.
Upon his arrival in Baghdad International Airport, His Holiness was received by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. He will participate in the official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace where he will pay a courtesy visit to President Barham Saleh.
Shortly after, the head of the Catholic Church will meet in that same place with other authorities and representatives of civil society and the diplomatic staff before whom he will deliver his first speech.
Next, the Pope will meet with bishops, priests, religious persons, seminarians and catechists at the Syrian Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad.
This church was target of a terrorist attack leaving dozens of deaths and injuries on October 31, 2010.
