Pope Francis advances with the first papal trip to Iraq despite new outbreaks of coronavirus and fears of instability.
The big picture: The March 5-8 visit is intended to reassure Iraqi Christians who were violently persecuted under the Islamic State. Francis also hopes to maintain new ties with Shiite Muslims, the AP notes.
- The journey comes after two decades of attempts to bring a pope to the birthplace of Abraham, a prophet considered the patriarch of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
Between lines: Recent rocket attacks and the presence of rogue Shiite militias have intensified security concerns.
- The number of daily coronavirus cases in Iraq has also risen since late January, according to Johns Hopkins University.
- The pope is expected to travel in an armored car with a security detail, per AP.
Itineraries:
- March 5: Welcome ceremony with civilian authorities and visit with the president to the presidential palace in Baghdad. Visit the Syrian Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation.
- March 6: Visit with the Great Ayatollah al-Sistani in Najaf. Interfaith meeting in Nassirya and Mass in the Chaldean Cathedral of St. Joseph in Baghdad.
- March 7: Meeting with religious and civil authorities of Iraqi Kurdistan in Erbil. Prayer for the victims of the war and visit with the Qaraqosh community in Mosul.
- March 8: Farewell ceremony in Baghdad.