Pope Francis

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Video, with English text, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-iraq-videomessage-fraternity-peace.html
Pope to Iraq: 'I come as pilgrim of peace, seeking fraternity, reconciliation'
04 March 2021, 10:25

Pope Francis sends a video message to the people of Iraq, to share a message of peace, fraternity and comfort, as he prepares for his Apostolic Visit which begins on Friday.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

As final preparations kick into high gear for Pope Francis’ scheduled Apostolic Journey to Iraq from 5 – 8 March, the Holy Father issued a message on Thursday to Iraqis ahead of his arrival, expressing his joy and anticipation of finally being physically present with them.

“Dear brothers and sisters in Iraq, peace be upon you!” Pope Francis said. “In a few days, I will finally be among you. I long to meet you, to see your faces and to visit your land, the ancient and extraordinary cradle of civilization.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-visits-saint-mary-major-iraq-journey.html

Pope Francis entrusts Iraq visit to protection of Our Lady
04 March 2021, 17:49

Pope Francis prays before the ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani to entrust his Apostolic Journey to Iraq to the protection of Our Lady.
By Devin Watkins

As per his long-established tradition on the eve of trips abroad, Pope Francis traveled across Rome on Thursday afternoon to the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

He paused to pray for a moment before the ancient Roman icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope entrusted his upcoming visit to Iraq to Our Lady’s protection.

He is scheduled to depart Rome on Friday morning for his 33rd Apostolic Visit abroad, which takes him to Iraq on 5-8 March.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-iraq-visit-higher-committee-human-fraternity.html

Abdel Salam: Pope’s visit to Iraq significant for entire Arab region
04 March 2021, 17:26

On the eve of Pope Francis' apostolic visit to Iraq, the secretary-general of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity underscores the values of solidarity and coexistence emphasized by the Pope in his encyclical Fratelli tutti.
Vatican News

“His Holiness Pope Francis’s historic trip to ailing Iraq that has been suffering from wars, divisions, and terrorism for years, and the Pope’s insistence to support the Iraqi people despite the pandemic, constitute a clear sign of the humanitarian approach the Pope has adopted and to which he has dedicated his entire life.” This is the sentiment that Judge Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam, the secretary-general of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, expresses in a statement he released on Thursday.  He makes his observation on the eve of the Pope’s 4-day apostolic journey to Iraq.  According to Abdel Salem, it is “a visit that represents a real incarnation of the principles included in the Document of Human Brotherhood and in the Encyclical Fratelli tutti"
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-02/pope-francis-programme-for-apostolic-visit-to-iraq-announced.html

Pope Francis' programme for Apostolic Visit to Iraq announced
08 February 2021, 13:53

The Holy See's Press Office announces Pope Francis' schedule for his upcoming Apostolic Visit to Iraq from March 5 - 8.
Vatican News

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Iraq begins on Friday morning 5 March when he departs from Rome and arrives at Baghdad International Airport in the afternoon.

Official Welcome and Visit with Civil Authorities

The official welcome ceremony will take place at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad followed by a courtesy visit to the President. Pope Francis will also meet with civil authorities and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Meeting with Priests and Religious

As part of the schedule on Friday, the Pope will meet with Bishops, Priests, Religious, Consecrated Persons, Seminarians and Catechists at the Syro-Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad.
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-departure-iraq-visit-itinerary.html
Pope Francis departs on Apostolic Journey to Iraq
05 March 2021, 07:57

Pope Francis flies out of Rome’s Fiumicino airport aboard the papal plane bound for Baghdad, as he begins his 4-day Apostolic Journey to Iraq.
By Devin Watkins & Francesca Merlo

The Pope boarded an Alitalia A330 at Fiumicino airport on Friday morning to begin his visit to the Middle Eastern nation of Iraq.

The papal plane took off at 7:45 AM, and is due to land at Baghdad’s International Airport around 2 PM local time. This will be the first time a Pope visits Iraq.

Pre-trip encounter

Before leaving the Casa Santa Marta on Friday morning, Pope Francis met briefly with around a dozen Iraqi refugees living in Italy.

The refugees are assisted by the Community of Saint Egidio and the Auxilium Cooperative. There were accompanied by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, according to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office.

Iraqi militia ceasefire

As the Pope set off, a little-known Shia militia group active in Iraq declared a unilateral, temporary ceasefire to coincide with his visit. The Guardians of Blood Brigade announced in a statement that they would "suspend every form of military operation during the visit of the Pope, in respect of Imam al-Sistani and in the name of Arabic hospitality."

Known in Arabic as "Saraya Awliya al-Dam", the group claimed the 16 February rocket attack on a US-led coalition airbase in Erbil, which killed one military contractor.

Day 1: Baghdad

Upon arrival in Iraq, Pope Francis will meet privately with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Then, following an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace, Pope Francis will visit President Barham Salih. The Holy Father's first public event will be with authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps at 3:45 PM in the Presidential Palace.

Afterwards, he will travel to the Syro-Catholic Cathedral of “Our Lady of Salvation” and meet with Bishops, priests, religious persons, seminarians and catechists.
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Photo Gallery and video at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-iraq-arrival-courtesy-visit-president-authorities.html
Pope Francis arrives in Iraq
05 March 2021, 12:10

Pope Francis arrives at Baghdad international airport, kicking off his 33rd Apostolic Journey abroad and the very first papal visit to Iraq.
By Linda Bordoni

Welcoming Pope Francis on the tarmac was a group of religious and political authorities representing the many different realities of Iraq's diverse make-up, as well as a group of Iraqi citizens and two children with a posy of flowers for the Holy Father.

The welcoming delegation included the Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq, Archbishop Mitja Leskovar, as well as representatives of the Chaldean Archeparchy of Baghdad, the Latin Archdiocese of Baghdad, the Syriac Archeparchy of Baghdad, and the Armenian Archeparchy of Baghdad, as well as the country’s Prime Minister, Mustafa Abdellatif Mshatat, the President of the Republic and his wife.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Two videios at the link--the second video is with English commentary

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-iraq-apostolic-journey-authorities-diplomats.html
Pope urges Iraqi authorities to rebuild society on fraternal solidarity
05 March 2021, 10:59

Pope Francis gives his first speech on Iraqi soil on Friday to authorities, civil servants, and diplomats, and indicates the path toward a genuine recovery of the nation following years of conflict and terrorism.
By Robin Gomes

The crises facing Iraq can be overcome by building a society based on fraternal union, solidarity and concord through concrete acts of care and service, especially for the vulnerable and those most in need. After a crisis, what will help us rebuild the world better than what was before is the virtue of fraternal solidarity and coexistence.

Pope Francis made that exhortation on Friday while addressing Iraq’s authorities, the diplomatic corps and representatives of civil society at the presidential palace in the capital, Baghdad.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-trip-to-iraq-2021-full-text-pope-francis-address-to-the-iraqi-authorities-74263
Full text: Pope Francis’ address to the Iraqi authorities, civil society, and diplomatic corps

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Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Two videios at the link--the second video is with English commentary

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-violence-and-hate-are-incompatible-with-religion.html
Pope to Iraqi clergy, religious: Violence and hate are incompatible with religion
05 March 2021, 15:55

Pope Francis meets with bishops, clergy and religious in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad, stressing the importance of sowing seeds of reconciliation and fraternal coexistence that can lead to a rebirth of hope for everyone.
By Lydia O’Kane

In 2010, 48 worshippers including women and children, and two young priests were killed in a terrorist attack at the Syro-Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad.
More than ten years on from that horrific event, Pope Francis came to this place of worship on Friday, the first day of his Apostolic Visit to Iraq.

There he met with bishops, clergy, religious, seminarians, catechists and lay leaders, noting that they were “gathered in this Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation, hallowed by the blood of our brothers and sisters who here paid the ultimate price of their fidelity to the Lord and His Church.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-pope-francis-address-at-baghdads-cathedral-of-our-lady-of-salvation-11460
Full text: Pope Francis’ address at Baghdad’s Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation

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Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Video at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/dreaming-of-their-future-pope-meets-scholas-occurentes-youth.html
Highlights of Pope Francis’ 1st day in Iraq
05 March 2021, 18:02

Pope Francis concluded the first day of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq meeting with participants in a Scholas Occurentes youth program.
By Vatican News staff writer

At the end of his first day in Iraq, Pope Francis met with young people participating in the Scholas Occurentes Foundation programmes in Baghdad.

A statement from the Press Office of the Holy See noted that the young people came from various religious denominations present in the country and were accompanied by the Foundation's coordinator for Italy, Mario Del Verme.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-03/cardinal-cantalamessa-jesus-is-holy-and-makes-us-holy.html

Cardinal Cantalamessa: ‘Jesus is holy and makes us holy’
05 March 2021, 15:05

In his second sermon for Lent 2021, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher to the Papal Household, reflects on the humanity of Jesus as the perfect model for all human beings.
By Christopher Wells

Although Pope Francis is in Iraq for his 33rd Apostolic Journey abroad, the annual Lenten reflections for the Roman Curia and the Pope’s closest collaborators continue in the Vatican.

The Preacher to the Papal Household, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., is devoting this year’s meditations to the Person of Jesus Christ. Too often, in a world that acts as if God does not exist, Christians run the risk of acting as if Christ does not exist.

Cardinal Cantalamessa notes that Pope Francis has pointed out four “coordinates” for the Church – faith, communion, the Eucharist, and prayer – which he says can be reduced to only one: “remaining anchored in Christ.”

With that orientation, Cardinal Cantalamessa offers a reflection that focuses on helping make Jesus “ever more truly the Lord of our life.”
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-departure-iraq-visit-itinerary.html
Pope Francis departs on Apostolic Journey to Iraq
05 March 2021, 07:57
 
Day 2: Najaf, Ur, Baghdad

On Saturday, Pope Francis will travel by plane to the cities of Najaf and Ur, before returning to Baghdad.

Due to depart from Baghdad at 7:45 AM, the Pope's first event of the day is a courtesy visit in Najaf to Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani, described as one of the leading spiritual leaders of Iraq’s Shia Muslims.

He will then depart for Nassiryiaat 10:15, in order to lead an interreligious meeting at the Plain of Ur shortly after 11:00.

The Pope will then return to Baghdad, where, at 6:00 PM he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-meets-grand-ayatollah-al-sistani.html
Pope Francis meets Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani
06 March 2021, 08:18

On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq, the Pope arrives in the city of Najaf on Saturday morning for a meeting with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani.
By Vatican News staff reporter

At the start of his second day in Iraq, Pope Francis on Saturday morning flew to Najaf for a private meeting with the Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani at his residence.

Before meeting with the Grand Ayatollah, the Pope was met by his son Mohammed Rida.
 
Video at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-stresses-importance-of-cooperation-fraternity-in-m.html
Pope stresses fraternity in meeting with Iraq's Grand Ayatollah
06 March 2021, 09:01

Pope Francis met this Saturday morning in Najaf with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani in a visit which stressed the importance of friendship, mutual respect and dialogue between religious communities.
Vatican News

According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, during the courtesy visit, which lasted about forty-five minutes,  “the Holy Father stressed the importance of cooperation and friendship between religious communities for contributing – through the cultivation of mutual respect and dialogue – to the good of Iraq, the region and the entire human family.”
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Two videios at the link--the second video is with English commentary

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-iraq-interreligious-meeting-ur-chaldeans.html
Pope urges Abrahamic religions to pursue path of peace in Iraq
06 March 2021, 10:21

Pope Francis meets with representatives of the three Abrahamic religions at Ur of the Chaldeans in Iraq, and urges Christians, Muslims, and Jews to journey along a path of peace under the stars of the promise God made to Abraham.
By Devin Watkins

On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq, Pope Francis traveled to Ur of the Chaldeans, the birthplace of the three major religions—Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

His meeting there was billed as the highpoint of his efforts to promote interreligious dialogue and fraternity in the Middle Eastern nation.

“This blessed place brings us back to our origins, to the sources of God’s work, to the birth of our religions,” the Pope said in his speech to representatives of the three Abrahamic religions.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-pope-francis-address-at-an-interreligious-meeting-in-plain-of-ur-89550
Full text: Pope Francis’ address at an interreligious meeting in the Plain of Ur

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-prayer-interreligious-ur-abraham.html
Iraq: Pope’s Prayer of the Sons and Daughters of Abraham
06 March 2021, 10:40

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Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Two videios at the link--the second video is with English commentary

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-iraq-baghdad-divine-liturgy-homily-beatitudes-love.html
Pope at Divine Liturgy in Iraq: World is changed by Beatitudes, not power
06 March 2021, 17:00

Pope Francis celebrates the Divine Liturgy with Chaldean Catholics in Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Baghdad. He delivers a homily explaining how witnessing to love in the Beatitudes helps fulfil God’s promises.
By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis on Saturday told Iraq’s Catholics that they are precious in the eyes of God because they witness to the Beatitudes of Jesus in their daily life. He said they are witnesses who, by living the Beatitudes, are helping God fulfil His promises of peace.

The Pope made the observation in the homily during his first public Eucharistic Celebration, called the Divine Liturgy in the Chaldean rite and in other Eastern rites, which he presided over in the evening in Saint Joseph’s Chaldean Cathedral in the capital, Baghdad.

He based his homily on the day’s reading on the Beatitudes from St. Matthew’s Gospel, and explained the wisdom of the Beatitudes and how they are practiced in daily life to help fulfil God’s promises.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-pope-francis-homily-at-mass-in-baghdads-st-joseph-cathedral-56339
Full text: Pope Francis' homily at Mass in Baghdad's St. Joseph Cathedral

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Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Video at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/ayuso-joy-over-meeting-with-grand-ayatollah-al-sistani.html
Iraq declares 6 March "National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence"
06 March 2021, 15:20

In a tweet on Saturday, Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announces that 6 March will become a "National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence" in Iraq. The announcement came after Pope Francis' meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, which Cardinal Miguel Ayuso has praised as an historic encounter.
By Vatican News staff writer

The announcement by Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi came following the historic encounter in Najaf between Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani and Pope Francis on Saturday morning and the interreligious meeting in the ancient city of Ur later in the day.

Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot has been present with Pope Francis for all the events of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq.

The president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has expressed his joy over the events so far, especially in accompanying Pope Francis for his courtesy visit to the Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani on Saturday.

In a brief interview with Vatican News, the Cardinal said Pope Francis was able “to discover the great hospitality” offered by Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani during the historic visit to his private home on Saturday.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-departure-iraq-visit-itinerary.html
Pope Francis departs on Apostolic Journey to Iraq
05 March 2021, 07:57
 
Day 3: Erbil, Mosul, Qaraqosh

On Sunday, his third day in Iraq, Pope Francis will travel to Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh.

He is due to be welcomed upon his arrival in Erbil, at 8:20 AM, by the President of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan and the civil authorities of the region. He will then meet with Nechirvan Barzani and Masrour Barzani, respectively President and Prime Minister of the autonomous region, privately, before departing by helicopter for Mosul.

In Mosul, where he is due to arrive at 9:35 AM, Pope Francis will lead a prayer of suffrage for war victims, at Hosh al-Bieaa (Church square).

He will then travel to Qaraqosh where he will visit the faithful at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Afterwards, he will return to Erbil, where at 4:00 PM he will celebrate Holy Mass at the "Franso Hariri" stadium. The Pope will then travel back to Baghdad, where he is due to arrive at 7:15 PM.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Video at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-iraqi-kurdistan-erbil-apostolic-journey.html
Pope to visit Iraqi cities of Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh on Day 3 of Apostolic Visit
07 March 2021, 06:38

At the start of the third day of his papal visit to Iraq, Pope Francis travels to the city of Erbil where he met with the President and the Prime Minister of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. The Pope's itinerary for Sunday include visits to Mosul and Qaraqosh.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

On Sunday, at the start of the third day of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq, Pope Francis flew from Baghdad to Erbil where, upon his arrival, he was welcomed by the President, the Prime Minister of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as civil and religious authorities.

The Pope then met with the President of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, Nechirvan Barzani, and the Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani at the Presidential VIP Lounge of the airport.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Two videios at the link--the second video is with English commentary

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-apostolic-visit-iraq-prayer-suffrage-war-victims.html
Pope's prayer for victims of war in Iraq: Peace, justice and serene coexistence
07 March 2021, 08:45

Amid the ruins in Mosul, Pope Francis prays for the victims of war in Iraq and in the whole of the Middle East.
By Vatican News staff writer

On Sunday morning, Pope Francis arrived at the Hosh al-Bieaa centre in Mosul where he prayed, amidst the ruins and along with the people of Iraq, for all the victims of war in the country and throughout the Middle East.

Before addressing the small crowd gathered amongst the ruins of the four churches surrounding the meeting place, Pope Francis was greeted by the Archbishop of Mosul, Najeeb Michaeel. He then heard the testimony of a Catholic priest and a Sunni Muslim, victims of the terror that rampaged through the city of Mosul.

Three thoughts

Before his prayer, the Pope shared his own thoughts, centred on three main ideas:

If God is the God of life – for so He is – then it is wrong for us to kill our brothers and sisters in His Name.
If God is the God of peace – for so He is – then it is wrong for us to wage war in His Name.
If God is the God of love – for so He is – then it is wrong for us to hate our brothers and sisters.

Then the Holy Father invited all those present, whether near or far, to "join in praying for all the victims of war," and for ourselves. "May all of us," he added, "whatever our religious tradition, live in harmony and peace, conscious that in the eyes of God, we are all brothers and sisters."
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-pope-francis-prayer-of-suffrage-for-the-victims-of-war-in-mosul-iraq-68935
Full text: Pope Francis’ prayer of suffrage for the victims of war in Mosul

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Two videios at the link--the second video is with English commentary

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-qaraqosh-iraq-apostolic-journey.html
Pope encourages Qaraqosh Iraqi faithful to rebuild the bonds of community
07 March 2021, 11:23

Pope Francis enjoins Christians to rebuild their communities based on forgiveness and fraternity. His words came during a meeting with Christians at the Church of Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh on Sunday.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis continued the third day of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq with a visit to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in the northern Iraqi city of Qaraqosh.

In his Address to the faithful present, the Pope expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity of being among the faithful of Qaraqosh. He also acknowledged Patriarch Ignace Youssif Younan of Antioch for Syrian Catholics for his words of welcome.

“As I look out at you, I can see the cultural and religious diversity of the people of Qaraqosh, and this shows something of the beauty that this entire region holds out to the future,” the Pope said.

“Your presence here is a reminder that beauty is not monochrome, but shines forth in variety and difference.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-pope-francis-angelus-address-in-nineveh-plains-61389
Full text: Pope Francis’ Angelus address in the Nineveh Plains

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Iraq -- March 5-8, 2021

Two videios at the link--the second video is with English commentary

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/the-church-in-iraq-is-alive-pope-francis-at-mass-in-erbil.html
'The Church in Iraq is alive': Pope Francis at Mass in Erbil
07 March 2021, 15:01

At the conclusion of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq, Pope Francis celebrates Sunday Mass with the Iraqi faithful in Erbil’s Franso Hariri Stadium.
By Christopher Wells

“Today, I can see at first hand that the Church in Iraq is alive, and that Christ is alive and at work in this, His holy and faithful people,” Pope Francis said in his Homily during the concluding Mass for his Apostolic Journey to Iraq.

The Holy Father based his homily on a passage from St Paul: “Christ, the power and wisdom of God.” Jesus, he said, “revealed that power and wisdom above all by offering forgiveness and showing mercy.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-pope-francis-homily-at-mass-in-the-franso-hariri-stadium-in-erbil-70618
Full text: Pope Francis’ homily at Mass in the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-in-iraq-our-martyrs-shine-like-stars-in-sky.html
Pope in Iraq: Our martyrs shine together like stars in the same sky!
07 March 2021, 16:51

At the conclusion of the Mass in Erbil, Pope Francis praised the generosity and heroic witness of the Iraqis, while thanking all those who made his visit possible.
Vatican News staff writer

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-iraq-meeting-alan-kurdi-father-migrants.html
Pope Francis meets Alan Kurdi’s father
07 March 2021, 18:06

At the end of Mass celebrated in Iraq’s northern city of Erbil, Pope Francis meet with Abdullah Kurdi, the father of three-year-old Alan, who drowned with his brother and mother off the Turkish coast in September 2015 while trying to reach Europe.
By Linda Bordoni