Latest news with #AliAl-Sistani
Iraqi News
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Pope Francis, who made historic visit to Iraq, dies at 88
Baghdad ( – On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church died at the age of 88. After a protracted illness, the Vatican confirmed his death. His historic trip to Iraq in March 2021—the first by a sitting pontiff to visit the nation, was one of the highlights of his pontificate. Pope Francis visited Baghdad, Najaf, Ur, Mosul, Qaraqosh, and Erbil over the course of four days, delivering a message of peace, reconciliation, and hope to a country that has been devastated by years of sectarian bloodshed and war. During his tour, the Pope had a rare historic interfaith meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, one of the most powerful leaders of Shiite Islam. Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani with Pope Francis in Iraq in 2021 Additionally, he spoke to displaced Christian communities in Qaraqosh and offered prayers amidst the rubble of churches in Mosul. In a startling revelation years later, Pope Francis disclosed in his autobiography that he had survived two assassination attempts during his visit to Mosul. According to a report by Iraqi News, British intelligence uncovered planned suicide bombings targeting the Pope, but Iraqi security forces managed to thwart the attacks before they could be carried out. Pope Francis's visit to Iraq inspired initiatives to promote national cohesion and solidarity, leaving a lasting impression. In recognition of his meeting with Al-Sistani, the Iraqi government subsequently declared March 6 to be the Day of Tolerance and Coexistence.
Iraqi News
30-03-2025
- General
- Iraqi News
Iraq celebrates Eid Al-Fitr on Monday
Baghdad ( – Iraq and 14 other Muslim countries announced that they will celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, the first of the two main festivals in Islam, on Monday. Iraq's Sunni Endowment Office and the office of Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, the country's top Shiite authority, both declared the holiday to take place on Monday, according to Gulf News. Using local crescent observations, the Kurdistan region of Iraq recognized Sunday as the first day of Eid Al-Fitr. In Islam, Eid Al-Fitr is the first of two major holidays, together with Eid Al-Adha. It occurs on the first day of the Islamic calendar's tenth month, Shawwal. Muslims throughout the world celebrate Eid Al-Fitr because it signifies the conclusion of the month-long Ramadan fast. Like the rest of Islamic countries, Iraqis engage with a combination of cultural practices, family gatherings, and traditional Islamic ceremonies to mark Eid Al-Fitr. Iraqi markets are prepared as people purchase new clothing, candy, and presents, particularly for kids. Before the Eid prayer, which takes place in the early morning of the Eid Al-Fitr day, many Iraqis offer Zakat Al-Fitr, a charity that is required for the poor. Worshippers gather in mosques and open spaces on the morning of Eid Al-Fitr to participate in the special Eid prayer, known as Salat Al-Eid.
Iraqi News
02-03-2025
- Health
- Iraqi News
Sayyid Al-Sistani thanks Dr. Mohammed Abu Ragheef for his efforts in Gaza
The supreme religious authority, Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani, on Sunday thanked Iraqi doctor Mohammed Abu Ragheef for his efforts in Gaza. In a statement obtained by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the office of the supreme religious authority said, 'The supreme religious authority, Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, received the Iraqi doctor Mohammed Taher Kamel Abu Ragheef al-Musawi and listened to an explanation from him about the difficult health and medical conditions in the stricken Gaza Strip.' The statement added that ' Sayyid Al-Sistani thanked the Iraqi doctor for his efforts during his stay there.'
