Iraq welcomed the pope with full honors. His entrance into the presidential palace was nothing short of majestic.
Pope Francis was welcomed by President Barham Ahmed Salih. At the palace entrance, the ensemble performed the Vatican's national anthem, then Iraq's.
Pope Francis greeted authorites. Then the president introduced his wife to the pope, and the three entered the palace.
Pope Francis limped noticeably as he made his way from place to place, probably because of his sciatica problem. He seemed to be in good spirits all the same.
After a 20-minute meeting, the pope gifted the president this medallion with a depiction of Abraham. Their meeting was relaxed and friendly. The president publicly communicated his affection to the pope during his speech.
During his speech he signaled how important it is for Iraq to overcome cultural and religious differences. That's why he thanked the pope for his visit.
The pope then gave a speech in which he laid out three essential steps to solidify peace in the country.
To make a Iraq a better place, he asked the international community for support. He also reminded them that in this moment of the pandemic, cooperation to distribute vaccines to everyone is important.
POPE FRANCIS
“This crisis calls for concerted efforts by all to take necessary steps, including an equitable distribution of vaccines for everyone.”
The second step Pope Francis proposed was to eliminate the idea of second-class citizens. That's why he called attention to the suffering of all minorities, not only of Christians.
POPE FRANCIS
“Here, among so many who have suffered, my thoughts turn to the Yazidis, innocent victims of senseless and brutal atrocities, persecuted and killed for their religion, and whose very identity and survival was put at risk.”
Lastly, Pope Francis shared his ambitious project for Iraq: to be an example of change for the Middle East, to show that coexistence is possible.
POPE FRANCIS
“Iraq today is called to show everyone, especially in the Middle East, that diversity, instead of giving rise to conflict, should lead to harmonious cooperation in the life of society.”
This was the pope's first speech in Iraq. It was the most political of his addresses, as he delivered it in front of the country's civil authorities and other social actors.
Javier Romero
