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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
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
PM congratulates on Akitu Day: Diversity and brotherhood are a source of strength
PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani congratulated on Tuesday the Iraqi people, especially the Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Syriacs on the occasion of the Babylonian New Year (Akitu), stressing that diversity and brotherhood are a source of strength. "As we celebrate the Babylonian New Year (Akitu), we extend our best wishes to all members of our beloved people—especially to our Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities—who celebrate this ancient holiday that embodies the depth of our civilization and the richness of our heritage," according to a post by PM Al-Sudani on X - followed up by the Iraqi News agency - INA. He noted that "as this historic celebration coincides this year with the blessed Eid al-Fitr, we take this opportunity to reaffirm the values of diversity and brotherhood, which serve as a source of strength for our beloved homeland." "We emphasize the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence among all components of our society and of deepening the spirit of citizenship that unites us all under the banner of a united Iraq, with hopes for a brighter and more stable future for our nation and its great people. Wishing Iraq continued prosperity, unity, and stability each year," he included.
