Pope Francis gestures as he boards a plane to depart for Rome, at Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad. Reuters
Pope Francis gestures as he boards a plane to depart for Rome, at Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad. Reuters
Cardinals and ranking Catholic clergymen board the Alitalia Airbus A330 aircraft as Pope Francis bids farewell to other bishops and Iraq's President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh before departing from the Iraqi capital's Baghdad International. AFP
Cardinals and ranking Catholic clergymen board the Alitalia Airbus A330 aircraft as Pope Francis bids farewell to other bishops and Iraq's President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh before departing from the Iraqi capital's Baghdad International. AFP
Iraq's President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh escort Pope Francis during the farewell ceremony for the pontiff at the Iraqi capital's Baghdad International Airport. AFP
Iraq's President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh escort Pope Francis during the farewell ceremony for the pontiff at the Iraqi capital's Baghdad International Airport. AFP
Pope Francis meets Abdullah Kurdi, father of little Alan, who was shipwrecked with his brother and mother on the Turkish coast in September 2015 while he was trying to reach Europe with his family, at the end of a Mass in the Erbil Stadium. EPA
Pope Francis meets Abdullah Kurdi, father of little Alan, who was shipwrecked with his brother and mother on the Turkish coast in September 2015 while he was trying to reach Europe with his family, at the end of a Mass in the Erbil Stadium. EPA
Nuns cheer and dance at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil, Iraq. Getty Images
Nuns cheer and dance at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil, Iraq. Getty Images
A baby dressed in papal outfit during a mass with Pope Francis at the Erbil Stadium. EPA
A baby dressed in papal outfit during a mass with Pope Francis at the Erbil Stadium. EPA
Nuns take a selfie after the completion of a mass conducted by Pope Francis. Getty Images
Nuns take a selfie after the completion of a mass conducted by Pope Francis. Getty Images
People carry umbrellas as they celebrate after a mass led by Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil, Iraq. Reuters
People carry umbrellas as they celebrate after a mass led by Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil, Iraq. Reuters
Pope Francis conducts mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. Getty Images
Pope Francis conducts mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. Getty Images
Monks pray during a mass conducted by Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium. Getty Images
Monks pray during a mass conducted by Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium. Getty Images
Pope Francis blesses a statue of the Virgin Mary at a mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. EPA
Pope Francis blesses a statue of the Virgin Mary at a mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. EPA
Pope Francis walks with an incense censer as he leads mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. AFP
Pope Francis walks with an incense censer as he leads mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. AFP
Pope Francis blesses people as he arrives in the popemobile vehicle at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
Pope Francis blesses people as he arrives in the popemobile vehicle at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
Pope Francis arrives on the popemobile to celebrate Mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AP Photo
Pope Francis arrives on the popemobile to celebrate Mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AP Photo
Nuns wave flags of Iraq, Kurdistan, and the Holy See as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
Nuns wave flags of Iraq, Kurdistan, and the Holy See as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
A faithful waits for Pope Francis to hold Mass at Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. Reuters
A faithful waits for Pope Francis to hold Mass at Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. Reuters
Pope Francis blessing people as he arrives in the popemobile vehicle at the Franso Hariri Stadium. AFP
Pope Francis blessing people as he arrives in the popemobile vehicle at the Franso Hariri Stadium. AFP
Young women dressed in traditional Kurdish clothing wave flags of the Holy See as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
Young women dressed in traditional Kurdish clothing wave flags of the Holy See as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
Pope Francis arrives to hold a mass at the Grand Immaculate Church, in Qaraqosh. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives to hold a mass at the Grand Immaculate Church, in Qaraqosh. Reuters
Pope Francis is greeted by people as he arrives at the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception (al-Tahira-l-Kubra), in the predominantly Christian town of Qaraqosh. AFP
Pope Francis is greeted by people as he arrives at the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception (al-Tahira-l-Kubra), in the predominantly Christian town of Qaraqosh. AFP
Pope Francis arrives at a meeting with local residents at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh. AP Photo
Pope Francis arrives at a meeting with local residents at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh. AP Photo
Pope Francis visits the town before holding a mass at the Grand Immaculate Church, in Qaraqosh. Reuters
Pope Francis visits the town before holding a mass at the Grand Immaculate Church, in Qaraqosh. Reuters
Pope Francis releases a white dove during a prayer for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
Pope Francis releases a white dove during a prayer for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
Pope Francis rides in a golf cart at the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Pope Francis rides in a golf cart at the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
A nun kisses the hand of Pope Francis during a prayer for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
A nun kisses the hand of Pope Francis during a prayer for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives to pray for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's old city. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives to pray for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's old city. Reuters
Pope Francis attends a prayer for the victims of the war at Church Square, Mosul. EPA
Pope Francis attends a prayer for the victims of the war at Church Square, Mosul. EPA
Pope Francis and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masud Barzani viewing a gift sculpture of a Chaldean cross during their meeting in Arbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region. AFP
Pope Francis and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masud Barzani viewing a gift sculpture of a Chaldean cross during their meeting in Arbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region. AFP
Pope Francis meeting with the President of the autonomous Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, the Prime Minister of the 9th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government Mansour Barzani, and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masud Barzani in Arbil. AFP
Pope Francis meeting with the President of the autonomous Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, the Prime Minister of the 9th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government Mansour Barzani, and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masud Barzani in Arbil. AFP
Pope Francis greets Iraqis dressed in traditional outfits upon his arrival at Erbil airport, in the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
Pope Francis greets Iraqis dressed in traditional outfits upon his arrival at Erbil airport, in the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
Pope Francis walks with Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of Kurdistan region, and President of the Kurdistan region in Iraq Nechirvan Barzani, upon his arrival at Erbil International Airport. Reuters
Pope Francis walks with Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of Kurdistan region, and President of the Kurdistan region in Iraq Nechirvan Barzani, upon his arrival at Erbil International Airport. Reuters
Iraqi women dressed in traditional outfits hold palm leafs as they welcome Pope Francis upon his arrival at Erbil airport. AFP
Iraqi women dressed in traditional outfits hold palm leafs as they welcome Pope Francis upon his arrival at Erbil airport. AFP
Mansour Barzani, Prime Minister of the 9th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government looks on , as Pope Francis greets religious dignitaries at the Erbil airport. AFP
Mansour Barzani, Prime Minister of the 9th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government looks on , as Pope Francis greets religious dignitaries at the Erbil airport. AFP
Pope Francis arrives at Erbil International Airport in Iraq. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives at Erbil International Airport in Iraq. Reuters
Pope Francis is welcomed at Erbil International Airport in Erbil. Reuters
Pope Francis is welcomed at Erbil International Airport in Erbil. Reuters
Pope Francis greets people as he leave the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph. Getty Images
Pope Francis greets people as he leave the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph. Getty Images
Pope Francis leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Pope Francis leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Iraqi Christian worshippers attend the mass led by the Pope at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Iraqi Christian worshippers attend the mass led by the Pope at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Pope Francis greeted by children upon his arrival for a mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Pope Francis greeted by children upon his arrival for a mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Pope Francis blesses the congregation as he leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Pope Francis blesses the congregation as he leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Pope Francis arrives to lead mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Pope Francis arrives to lead mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Pope Francis is greeted by children upon his arrival at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
Pope Francis is greeted by children upon his arrival at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
People take pictures with their mobiles upon the arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
People take pictures with their mobiles upon the arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. EPA
Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. EPA
Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
Pope Francis is seen behind flowers at an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
Pope Francis is seen behind flowers at an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
Pope Francis smiles and waves at a women that threw a kiss to him. Haider Husseini/ The National
Pope Francis smiles and waves at a women that threw a kiss to him. Haider Husseini/ The National
People attend an inter-religious ceremony in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
People attend an inter-religious ceremony in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani meeting with Pope Francis and his delegation, at his home in the holy city of Najaf. AFP
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani meeting with Pope Francis and his delegation, at his home in the holy city of Najaf. AFP
Pope Francis, accompanied by clerics, and Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, meet in Najaf. Courtesy of the Vatican
Pope Francis, accompanied by clerics, and Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, meet in Najaf. Courtesy of the Vatican
Pope Francis's meeting with Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, in Najaf, followed months of negotiations between Najaf and the Vatican. Reuters
Pope Francis's meeting with Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, in Najaf, followed months of negotiations between Najaf and the Vatican. Reuters
Pope Francis smiles with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis smiles with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
The Pope visits Our Lady of Salvation Church. Courtesy of the Prime Minister office
The Pope visits Our Lady of Salvation Church. Courtesy of the Prime Minister office
Pope Francis is welcomed upon his arrival at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AP Photo
Pope Francis is welcomed upon his arrival at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AP Photo
Pope Francis speaks in the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
Pope Francis speaks in the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
Pope Francis greets people in front of the the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
Pope Francis greets people in front of the the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
Nuns welcome Pope Francis at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
Nuns welcome Pope Francis at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
Iraq's President Barham Salih speaks with Pope Francis during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidental Palace in Baghdad. Reuters
Iraq's President Barham Salih speaks with Pope Francis during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidental Palace in Baghdad. Reuters
Iraqi President Barham Salih welcomes Pope Francis at the Presidential Palace. AFP
Iraqi President Barham Salih welcomes Pope Francis at the Presidential Palace. AFP
Pope Francis walk with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis walk with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis talks with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival in Baghdad. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis talks with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival in Baghdad. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis walks with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis walks with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis walks alongside Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi upon his arrival in Baghdad. AFP
Pope Francis walks alongside Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi upon his arrival in Baghdad. AFP
Pope Francis waves to the crowd upon his arrival in Baghdad. Reuters
Pope Francis waves to the crowd upon his arrival in Baghdad. Reuters
Pope Francis speaks to journalists aboard the plane heading to Iraq. AP Photo
Pope Francis speaks to journalists aboard the plane heading to Iraq. AP Photo
Pope Francis waves as he boards the plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
Pope Francis waves as he boards the plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
People holding Iraqi and Vatican flags as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis, at Baghdad Airport Road, in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
People holding Iraqi and Vatican flags as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis, at Baghdad Airport Road, in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
A Christian woman holds the Vatican flag as she heads to the airport to wait for the arrival of Pope Francis, in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
A Christian woman holds the Vatican flag as she heads to the airport to wait for the arrival of Pope Francis, in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters

Iraq

Pope Francis visits Iraq – in pictures

Pope Francis is in Iraq for a four-day visit and will meet officials, the Christian community and others as he tours the country

The National

March 07, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Pope Francis touched down on Friday for a historic visit to Iraq where he will urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make his first-ever papal visit.

The pope, who wore a face mask during the flight, kept it on as he descended the stairs to the tarmac and was greeted by two masked children in traditional dress. He was visibly limping in a sign his sciatica, which has flared and forced him to cancel events recently, was possibly bothering him.

He has a packed schedule during his four-day visit, meeting officials, Christians and the Iraqi people in the capital, the south and the north.

After spending Friday afternoon meeting officials at the Presidential Palace, he will spend the evening at the Lady of Salvation church – the site of a deadly terror attack in 2010.

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Iraqis were eager to welcome Francis’ “message of peace and tolerance” and described the visit as a historic meeting between the “minaret and the bells”.

Among the highlights of the Pope's visit is a private meeting Saturday with the country's top Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, a revered figure in Iraq and beyond.

Follow live coverage here 

Mosul prepares for Pope Francis

Pope Francis holds a minute of silence at the destroyed cathedral in Mosul's old city. Reuters
Pope Francis holds a minute of silence at the destroyed cathedral in Mosul's old city. Reuters
Pope Francis rides in a golf cart at the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Pope Francis rides in a golf cart at the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Pope Francis, surrounded by religious dignitaries at a square near the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Pope Francis, surrounded by religious dignitaries at a square near the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Pope Francis releasing a white dove at a square near the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Pope Francis releasing a white dove at a square near the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Pope Francis arrives to pray for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives to pray for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
A photojournalist uses his camera from atop a broken wall near the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
A photojournalist uses his camera from atop a broken wall near the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Pope Francis arrives to pray for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's old city, Iraq. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives to pray for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's old city, Iraq. Reuters
Iraqi children dressed in costumes wave national flags in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Iraqi children dressed in costumes wave national flags in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Girls wave national flags as they gather at Church square ahead of Pope Francis' arrival to visit Mosul. Reuters
Girls wave national flags as they gather at Church square ahead of Pope Francis' arrival to visit Mosul. Reuters
A member of the Iraqi security forces stands guard as children dressed in costumes wave national flags in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
A member of the Iraqi security forces stands guard as children dressed in costumes wave national flags in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Iraqi children dressed in costumes are pictured in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Iraqi children dressed in costumes are pictured in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Iraqis in the northern city of Mosul get ready to welcome Pope Francis. AFP
Iraqis in the northern city of Mosul get ready to welcome Pope Francis. AFP
Iraqis in the northern city of Mosul get ready to welcome Pope Francis. AFP
Iraqis in the northern city of Mosul get ready to welcome Pope Francis. AFP
Iraqis in the northern city of Mosul get ready to welcome Pope Francis. AFP
Iraqis in the northern city of Mosul get ready to welcome Pope Francis. AFP
People prepare before Pope Francis arrives to hold a mass at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square. Reuters
People prepare before Pope Francis arrives to hold a mass at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square. Reuters
Iraqi soldiers keep watch before the prayer by Pope Francis for the victims of the war in Mosul. EPA
Iraqi soldiers keep watch before the prayer by Pope Francis for the victims of the war in Mosul. EPA
Iraqis gather in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Iraqis gather in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
Preparations are under way at the ruins of Al Tahera Church in the Iraq's northern city of Mosul, a day before the arrival of the Pope. AFP
Preparations are under way at the ruins of Al Tahera Church in the Iraq's northern city of Mosul, a day before the arrival of the Pope. AFP
Pope Francis will say prayers for victims of ISIS and war at Al Tahera Church in Mosul’s Church Square, which is surrounded by several places of worship used by Iraq’s different Christian denominations. AFP
Pope Francis will say prayers for victims of ISIS and war at Al Tahera Church in Mosul’s Church Square, which is surrounded by several places of worship used by Iraq’s different Christian denominations. AFP
An aerial view of seating arrangements are being made at the ruins of Al Tahera Church. AFP
An aerial view of seating arrangements are being made at the ruins of Al Tahera Church. AFP
Syriac Catholic, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and Chaldean Catholic churches can be found in and around the small square that is locked in by low-rise houses in Mosul’s Old City. AFP
Syriac Catholic, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and Chaldean Catholic churches can be found in and around the small square that is locked in by low-rise houses in Mosul’s Old City. AFP
Organisers lay seats at the ruins of Al Tahera Church in the Old City of Mosul in northern Iraq. AFP
Organisers lay seats at the ruins of Al Tahera Church in the Old City of Mosul in northern Iraq. AFP
Al Tahera is a symbol of the diversity that has been the story of Mosul for centuries and represents Iraq’s once-flourishing Christian community. AFP
Al Tahera is a symbol of the diversity that has been the story of Mosul for centuries and represents Iraq’s once-flourishing Christian community. AFP
Men walk past a poster of Pope Francis hanging above a ruined building in the Old City of Mosul. AFP
Men walk past a poster of Pope Francis hanging above a ruined building in the Old City of Mosul. AFP
Christians who fled from Mosul after the ISIS rampage have been hesitant to return because of the post-war situation as well as a lack of trust in the government to provide them with the protection they need. AFP
Christians who fled from Mosul after the ISIS rampage have been hesitant to return because of the post-war situation as well as a lack of trust in the government to provide them with the protection they need. AFP

Pope Francis holds interfaith meeting in Ur 

An aerial photo shows the 6,000-year-old archaeological site of Ur amid preparations for Pope Francis' visit near Nasiriyah. AP Photo
An aerial photo shows the 6,000-year-old archaeological site of Ur amid preparations for Pope Francis' visit near Nasiriyah. AP Photo
Pope Francis arrives in a limousine to hold inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives in a limousine to hold inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis is received at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur in southern Iraq's Dhi Qar province. AFP
Pope Francis is received at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur in southern Iraq's Dhi Qar province. AFP
Pope Francis arrives to hold inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives to hold inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis attends a interreligious meeting at the Plain of Ur, Nassirya. EPA
Pope Francis attends a interreligious meeting at the Plain of Ur, Nassirya. EPA
Pope Francis arrives to hold inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives to hold inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives at an interreligious meeting near the archaeological area of the Sumerian city-state of Ur, 20 kilometers south-west of Nasiriyah. AP Photo
Pope Francis arrives at an interreligious meeting near the archaeological area of the Sumerian city-state of Ur, 20 kilometers south-west of Nasiriyah. AP Photo
Pope Francis attends the inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis attends the inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis attends the inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis attends the inter-religious prayer at the ancient archeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
Pope Francis smiles and waves at a women that threw a kiss to him. Haider Husseini/ The National
Pope Francis smiles and waves at a women that threw a kiss to him. Haider Husseini/ The National

Pope Francis meets Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani 

Pope Francis meeting top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani in the Iraqi shine city of Najaf. HO / Vatican News
Pope Francis meeting top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani in the Iraqi shine city of Najaf. HO / Vatican News

Gifts for Pope Francis

Pope Francis receives an ornamental gift after his sermon at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
Pope Francis receives an ornamental gift after his sermon at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
Pope Francis receives gifts from Iraqi President Barham Salih, two stone carvings by the late Iraqi artist Mohammed Ghani Hikmat, and a hand embroidered cross in gold thread and semi precious stones with a head cap from Kurdistan. Office of the President
Pope Francis receives gifts from Iraqi President Barham Salih, two stone carvings by the late Iraqi artist Mohammed Ghani Hikmat, and a hand embroidered cross in gold thread and semi precious stones with a head cap from Kurdistan. Office of the President
Iraqi President Barham Salih and his wife Sarbagh show Pope Francis one of the presidential gifts. AFP
Iraqi President Barham Salih and his wife Sarbagh show Pope Francis one of the presidential gifts. AFP
Four of the 14 pieces of "The Way of Suffering", sculpted plaques representing the stations of the cross by late Iraqi artist Mohammed Ghani Hikmat, are displayed at the Chaldean Catholic Church of the Ascension. Hikmat's son Yasser made a miniature of the fourth station stele which will be presented as a gift to Pope Francis. SFP
Four of the 14 pieces of "The Way of Suffering", sculpted plaques representing the stations of the cross by late Iraqi artist Mohammed Ghani Hikmat, are displayed at the Chaldean Catholic Church of the Ascension. Hikmat's son Yasser made a miniature of the fourth station stele which will be presented as a gift to Pope Francis. SFP
Iraqi artist Yasser Hikmat, son of sculptor Mohammed Ghani Hikmat works on the piece at a workshop in Lebanon's capital Beirut. AFP
Iraqi artist Yasser Hikmat, son of sculptor Mohammed Ghani Hikmat works on the piece at a workshop in Lebanon's capital Beirut. AFP
Yasser's work is a miniature of one of his late father's 14 sculptures. AFP
Yasser's work is a miniature of one of his late father's 14 sculptures. AFP
Yasser Hikmat displays a finished piece at a workshop in Beirut. AFP
Yasser Hikmat displays a finished piece at a workshop in Beirut. AFP
Iraqi priest Ammar Yaqo looks on as Karjiya Baqtar embroiders a precious prayer shawl using golden thread, to gift to Pope Francis during his upcoming visit to her Iraqi hometown Qaraqosh. AFP
Iraqi priest Ammar Yaqo looks on as Karjiya Baqtar embroiders a precious prayer shawl using golden thread, to gift to Pope Francis during his upcoming visit to her Iraqi hometown Qaraqosh. AFP

Pope Francis at Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad 

Pope Francis delivers his speech during a meeting with bishops and priests, at the Our Lady of Salvation Church, in Baghdad. AP Photo
Pope Francis delivers his speech during a meeting with bishops and priests, at the Our Lady of Salvation Church, in Baghdad. AP Photo
Our Lady of Salvation Church, a Syriac Catholic Church, was the scene of a deadly Al Qaeda attack that occurred within the church's walls 11 years ago. AFP
Our Lady of Salvation Church, a Syriac Catholic Church, was the scene of a deadly Al Qaeda attack that occurred within the church's walls 11 years ago. AFP
People listen as Pope Francis speaks during a visit to the Our Lady of Salvation Church. Reuters
People listen as Pope Francis speaks during a visit to the Our Lady of Salvation Church. Reuters
Forty-eight were killed, including two priests, in an October 31, 2010 attack claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq, an offshoot of Al Qaeda. AFP
Forty-eight were killed, including two priests, in an October 31, 2010 attack claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq, an offshoot of Al Qaeda. AFP
"We are gathered in this Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation, hallowed by the blood of our brothers and sisters who here paid the ultimate price for their fidelity to the Lord and his church," said the Pope. AFP
"We are gathered in this Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation, hallowed by the blood of our brothers and sisters who here paid the ultimate price for their fidelity to the Lord and his church," said the Pope. AFP
Pope Francis was joined by Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans and head of the Chaldean Catholic Church. AP Photo
Pope Francis was joined by Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans and head of the Chaldean Catholic Church. AP Photo
Pope Francis walks through the Our Lady of Salvation Church. Reuters
Pope Francis walks through the Our Lady of Salvation Church. Reuters
Pope Francis receives flowers are he arrives at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. Reuters
Pope Francis receives flowers are he arrives at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. Reuters
A motorcade carrying Pope Francis arrives at Our Lady of Salvation Church. EPA
A motorcade carrying Pope Francis arrives at Our Lady of Salvation Church. EPA

Pope Francis at Iraqi Presidential Palace 

Pope Francis arrives at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. AFP
Pope Francis arrives at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. AFP
Iraqi President Barham Salih welcomes Pope Francis during an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. EPA
Iraqi President Barham Salih welcomes Pope Francis during an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. EPA
Pope Francis delivers a speech at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. Reuters
Pope Francis delivers a speech at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. Reuters
Pope Francis addresses Iraqi officials at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. AFP
Pope Francis addresses Iraqi officials at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. AFP
Pope Francis is welcomed by Iraqi President Barham Salih at the Presidential Palace. AFP
Pope Francis is welcomed by Iraqi President Barham Salih at the Presidential Palace. AFP
Pope Francis and Iraqi President Barham Salih enter the Presidential Palace during the first papal visit to Iraq. AFP
Pope Francis and Iraqi President Barham Salih enter the Presidential Palace during the first papal visit to Iraq. AFP
Iraqi President Barham Salih and Pope Francis meet at the Presidential Palace. Reuters
Iraqi President Barham Salih and Pope Francis meet at the Presidential Palace. Reuters
Pope Francis shakes hands with Iraqi President Barham Salih at the Presidential Palace. AFP
Pope Francis shakes hands with Iraqi President Barham Salih at the Presidential Palace. AFP
Iraqi President Barham Salih and Pope Francis talk during a meeting at the Presidential Palace. Reuters
Iraqi President Barham Salih and Pope Francis talk during a meeting at the Presidential Palace. Reuters

Iraq prime minister greets Pope Francis in Baghdad

The Pope is welcomed by Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
The Pope is welcomed by Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis smiles with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis smiles with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on his first visit to Iraq. Pope Francis began his historic trip to war-scarred Iraq, defying security concerns and the coronavirus pandemic to comfort one of the world's oldest and most persecuted Christian communities.
Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on his first visit to Iraq. Pope Francis began his historic trip to war-scarred Iraq, defying security concerns and the coronavirus pandemic to comfort one of the world's oldest and most persecuted Christian communities.
Pope Francis is received by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi upon disembarking from his plane at Baghdad International Airport to start his historic tour in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
Pope Francis is received by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi upon disembarking from his plane at Baghdad International Airport to start his historic tour in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
Pope Francis disembarks a plane as he arrives at Baghdad International Airport. Reuters
Pope Francis disembarks a plane as he arrives at Baghdad International Airport. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on his first visit to Iraq. Pope Francis began his historic trip to war-scarred Iraq, defying security concerns and the coronavirus pandemic to comfort one of the world's oldest and most persecuted Christian communities.
Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on his first visit to Iraq. Pope Francis began his historic trip to war-scarred Iraq, defying security concerns and the coronavirus pandemic to comfort one of the world's oldest and most persecuted Christian communities.
Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad. Reuters
Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on his first visit to Iraq. Pope Francis began his historic trip to war-scarred Iraq, defying security concerns and the coronavirus pandemic to comfort one of the world's oldest and most persecuted Christian communities.
Pope Francis arrives in Baghdad on his first visit to Iraq. Pope Francis began his historic trip to war-scarred Iraq, defying security concerns and the coronavirus pandemic to comfort one of the world's oldest and most persecuted Christian communities.
Pope Francis speaks to journalists aboard the aeroplane heading to Iraq. AP Photo
Pope Francis speaks to journalists aboard the aeroplane heading to Iraq. AP Photo
A plane carrying Pope Francis arrives at Baghdad International Airport to start his historic tour ofIraq. Reuters
A plane carrying Pope Francis arrives at Baghdad International Airport to start his historic tour ofIraq. Reuters

Pope Francis leaves Rome

Members of the media wait for Pope Francis ahead of his arrival to board a plane for his visit to Iraq, at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
Members of the media wait for Pope Francis ahead of his arrival to board a plane for his visit to Iraq, at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
Pope Francis prepares to leave from Fiumicino's International airport Leonardo da Vinci, near Rome, for Baghdad, Iraq. Pope Francis is bound to Iraq for a four-day visit to urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make the first-ever papal visit. AP Photo
Pope Francis prepares to leave from Fiumicino's International airport Leonardo da Vinci, near Rome, for Baghdad, Iraq. Pope Francis is bound to Iraq for a four-day visit to urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make the first-ever papal visit. AP Photo
Pope Francis boards his plane as he leaves from Fiumicino's International airport Leonardo da Vinci, near Rome, for Baghdad, Iraq. Pope Francis is bound to Iraq for a four-day visit to urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make the first-ever papal visit. AP Photo
Pope Francis boards his plane as he leaves from Fiumicino's International airport Leonardo da Vinci, near Rome, for Baghdad, Iraq. Pope Francis is bound to Iraq for a four-day visit to urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make the first-ever papal visit. AP Photo
Pope Francis boards a plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
Pope Francis boards a plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
Pope Francis waves as he boards the plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
Pope Francis waves as he boards the plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
The plane carrying Pope Francis is seen ahead of his visit to Iraq at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, in this screen grab taken from video. Reuters
The plane carrying Pope Francis is seen ahead of his visit to Iraq at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, in this screen grab taken from video. Reuters
Pope Francis is welcomed by crew members as he boards a plane for his visit to Iraq at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
Pope Francis is welcomed by crew members as he boards a plane for his visit to Iraq at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
Pope Francis waves as he boards the plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
Pope Francis waves as he boards the plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters

Pope Francis will visit Ur

On Saturday, he will visit the historic site of Ur, which is thought to be where the patriarch Abraham was from.

The site where Abraham, the father of three main monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – is thought to have been born in the ancient city of Ur. Its ruins are in what is now Dhi Qar province, Iraq, about 375 kilometres southeast of Baghdad. AFP
The site where Abraham, the father of three main monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – is thought to have been born in the ancient city of Ur. Its ruins are in what is now Dhi Qar province, Iraq, about 375 kilometres southeast of Baghdad. AFP
The ancient archaeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, before the planned visit of Pope Francis. Reuters
The ancient archaeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, before the planned visit of Pope Francis. Reuters
The ancient archaeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, before the planned visit of Pope Francis. Reuters
The ancient archaeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, before the planned visit of Pope Francis. Reuters
The ancient archaeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, before the planned visit of Pope Francis. Reuters
The ancient archaeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, before the planned visit of Pope Francis. Reuters
Men walk down the stairs of the Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
Men walk down the stairs of the Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The ancient archaeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The ancient archaeological site of Ur, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
Officials inspect the ancient archaeological site of Ur, near Nassiriya, Iraq, before the planned arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
Officials inspect the ancient archaeological site of Ur, near Nassiriya, Iraq, before the planned arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
Officials inspect the ancient archaeological site of Ur, near Nassiriya, Iraq, before the planned arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
Officials inspect the ancient archaeological site of Ur, near Nassiriya, Iraq, before the planned arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
A man inspects the ancient archaeological site of Ur, near Nassiriya, Iraq, before the planned arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
A man inspects the ancient archaeological site of Ur, near Nassiriya, Iraq, before the planned arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
A man walks towards the ancient archaeological site of Ur, near Nassiriya, Iraq, before the planned arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
A man walks towards the ancient archaeological site of Ur, near Nassiriya, Iraq, before the planned arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
The Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The Ziggurat of Ur ruins, near Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters
The Great Ziggurat temple, Ur, where Abraham, the father of three main monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – is thought to have been born in the ancient city of Ur. Its ruins are in what is now Dhi Qar province, Iraq, about 375 kilometres southeast of Baghdad. AFP
The Great Ziggurat temple, Ur, where Abraham, the father of three main monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – is thought to have been born in the ancient city of Ur. Its ruins are in what is now Dhi Qar province, Iraq, about 375 kilometres southeast of Baghdad. AFP

Iraq prepares for Pope Francis

Christians across the country prepared for the Pope's arrival as roads were repaved, streets cleaned and greenery pruned before the big visit.

Volunteers finalise preparations to recieve Pope Francis in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception (al-Tahira) in the old city of Iraq's northern city of Mosul ahead of the pontiff's visit later in the week. AFP
Volunteers finalise preparations to recieve Pope Francis in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception (al-Tahira) in the old city of Iraq's northern city of Mosul ahead of the pontiff's visit later in the week. AFP
Volunteers stand holding posters welcoming Pope Francis in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception (al-Tahira) in the old city of Iraq's northern city of Mosul ahead of the pontiff's visit later in the week. AFP
Volunteers stand holding posters welcoming Pope Francis in the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception (al-Tahira) in the old city of Iraq's northern city of Mosul ahead of the pontiff's visit later in the week. AFP
Posters welcoming Pope Francis are prepared at St. Joseph's Chaldean Church ahead of the Pope's visit, in Baghdad, Iraq. AP Photo
Posters welcoming Pope Francis are prepared at St. Joseph's Chaldean Church ahead of the Pope's visit, in Baghdad, Iraq. AP Photo
Men stand holding a poster by UNESCO welcoming Pope Francis at a cultural centre in the old city of Iraq's northern city of Mosul ahead of the pontiff's visit later in the week. AFP
Men stand holding a poster by UNESCO welcoming Pope Francis at a cultural centre in the old city of Iraq's northern city of Mosul ahead of the pontiff's visit later in the week. AFP
Pope Francis is preparing for what the Vatican website describes as the "apostolic journey of the holy father" to Iraq this week. Francis' visit will be the first by a pope to Iraq, and Roman Catholics are busy preparing for his arrival. Here, work is done on the roof of St Mary Al Tahira Church at Qaraqosh near Mosul, one of the churches on the Pope's schedule. Getty Images
Pope Francis is preparing for what the Vatican website describes as the "apostolic journey of the holy father" to Iraq this week. Francis' visit will be the first by a pope to Iraq, and Roman Catholics are busy preparing for his arrival. Here, work is done on the roof of St Mary Al Tahira Church at Qaraqosh near Mosul, one of the churches on the Pope's schedule. Getty Images
A worker helps to prepare Erbil international Stadium, also known as the Franso Hariri Stadium, for the visit of Pope Francis to the capital of the Kurdistan region in Iraq. EPA
A worker helps to prepare Erbil international Stadium, also known as the Franso Hariri Stadium, for the visit of Pope Francis to the capital of the Kurdistan region in Iraq. EPA
An Iraqi Christian visits a building in Qaraqosh, Iraq, that bears the scars of ISIS violence. Reuters
An Iraqi Christian visits a building in Qaraqosh, Iraq, that bears the scars of ISIS violence. Reuters
Father Ammar Altony Yako leads prayers as Christians attend mass at the Grand Immaculate Old Church in Qaraqosh, the largest church in Iraq. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit on Sunday as part of his tour. Reuters
Father Ammar Altony Yako leads prayers as Christians attend mass at the Grand Immaculate Old Church in Qaraqosh, the largest church in Iraq. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit on Sunday as part of his tour. Reuters
The town of Qaraqosh was ravaged by ISIS after 2014 and liberated from the extremists in 2017. Christians of all denominations have joined in an effort to encourage their communities to return. Reuters
The town of Qaraqosh was ravaged by ISIS after 2014 and liberated from the extremists in 2017. Christians of all denominations have joined in an effort to encourage their communities to return. Reuters
Christian militiamen and police officers stand guard at a gate in Qaraqosh, Iraq. Reuters
Christian militiamen and police officers stand guard at a gate in Qaraqosh, Iraq. Reuters
Staff at a shop in Arbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region, print flyers for Pope Francis's visit. AFP
Staff at a shop in Arbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region, print flyers for Pope Francis's visit. AFP
Workers print flyers of Pope Francis at a shop in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region, ahead of the first-ever papal visit to Iraq. AFP
Workers print flyers of Pope Francis at a shop in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region, ahead of the first-ever papal visit to Iraq. AFP
Musicians from a joint Kurdish and Christians orchestra and choir rehearse at Erbil international Stadium, also known as the Franso Hariri Stadium, for the visit of Pope Francis to the capital of the Kurdistan region in Iraq. EPA
Musicians from a joint Kurdish and Christians orchestra and choir rehearse at Erbil international Stadium, also known as the Franso Hariri Stadium, for the visit of Pope Francis to the capital of the Kurdistan region in Iraq. EPA
Choristers from a joint Kurdish and Christians orchestra and choir rehearse at Erbil international Stadium for the visit of Pope Francis to the capital of the Kurdistan region in Iraq. EPA
Choristers from a joint Kurdish and Christians orchestra and choir rehearse at Erbil international Stadium for the visit of Pope Francis to the capital of the Kurdistan region in Iraq. EPA
Banners and Iraqi and Vatican flags go up in central Baghdad to welcome Pope Francis. EPA
Banners and Iraqi and Vatican flags go up in central Baghdad to welcome Pope Francis. EPA

Papal visits to the Middle East 

It's not the first papal visit to the region.

Pope Benedict XVI visits Bkerke, Lebanon in September 2012. AFP
Pope Benedict XVI visits Bkerke, Lebanon in September 2012. AFP
Pope Benedict XVI meets Muslim clerics while visiting Michel Suleiman, Lebanon's president at the time, at the Baabda presidential palace in September 2012. AFP
Pope Benedict XVI meets Muslim clerics while visiting Michel Suleiman, Lebanon's president at the time, at the Baabda presidential palace in September 2012. AFP
Lebanese Catholics cheer as Pope Benedict XVI arrives at the Maronite Christian heartland of Bkerke in 2012. AFP
Lebanese Catholics cheer as Pope Benedict XVI arrives at the Maronite Christian heartland of Bkerke in 2012. AFP
A large crowd attends a Mass held by Pope Benedict XVI in the Lebanese capital Beirut in September 2012. AFP
A large crowd attends a Mass held by Pope Benedict XVI in the Lebanese capital Beirut in September 2012. AFP
Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd as he arrives to lead an open-air Mass at Beirut's waterfront on the final day of his visit to Lebanon in 2012. AFP
Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd as he arrives to lead an open-air Mass at Beirut's waterfront on the final day of his visit to Lebanon in 2012. AFP
Wafaa, wife of Michel Suleiman, Lebanon's president at the time, receives communion from Pope Benedict XVI during the Mass in Beirut. AFP
Wafaa, wife of Michel Suleiman, Lebanon's president at the time, receives communion from Pope Benedict XVI during the Mass in Beirut. AFP
Michel Suleiman, Lebanon's president at the time, meets Pope Benedict XVI before he departs Beirut. AFP
Michel Suleiman, Lebanon's president at the time, meets Pope Benedict XVI before he departs Beirut. AFP
Pope Benedict XVI holds an open-air Mass in Beirut on the final day of his 2012 visit to Lebanon. AFP
Pope Benedict XVI holds an open-air Mass in Beirut on the final day of his 2012 visit to Lebanon. AFP
Jordan's King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Rania give Pope Francis a tour of the Royal Palace in Amman in 2014. AFP
Jordan's King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Rania give Pope Francis a tour of the Royal Palace in Amman in 2014. AFP
King Abdullah II of Jordan and Pope Francis visit Bethany, a site on the eastern bank of the River Jordan where some Christians believe Jesus was baptised. AFP
King Abdullah II of Jordan and Pope Francis visit Bethany, a site on the eastern bank of the River Jordan where some Christians believe Jesus was baptised. AFP
Pope Francis visits Bethany in 2014. Some Christians believe it was the site where Jesus was baptised. AFP
Pope Francis visits Bethany in 2014. Some Christians believe it was the site where Jesus was baptised. AFP
King Abdullah II of Jordan, Queen Rania, Crown Prince Hussein, the king's religious affairs adviser, Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, and Pope Francis visit Bethany in 2014. AFP
King Abdullah II of Jordan, Queen Rania, Crown Prince Hussein, the king's religious affairs adviser, Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, and Pope Francis visit Bethany in 2014. AFP
King Abdullah II of Jordan, Queen Rania, Crown Prince Hussein, religious affairs adviser Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad and Pope Francis at the site on the eastern bank of the River Jordan where some Christians believe Jesus was baptised. AFP
King Abdullah II of Jordan, Queen Rania, Crown Prince Hussein, religious affairs adviser Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad and Pope Francis at the site on the eastern bank of the River Jordan where some Christians believe Jesus was baptised. AFP
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate a Mass at the Amman Stadium in 2014. AFP
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate a Mass at the Amman Stadium in 2014. AFP
Pope Francis greets the crowd at the Amman Stadium, where he held a Mass in 2014. AFP
Pope Francis greets the crowd at the Amman Stadium, where he held a Mass in 2014. AFP
Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he leaves the stadium after holding a Mass during his 2014 trip to Jordan. AFP
Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he leaves the stadium after holding a Mass during his 2014 trip to Jordan. AFP
Pope Francis kisses a baby before holding a Mass in Amman in 2014. AFP
Pope Francis kisses a baby before holding a Mass in Amman in 2014. AFP
Pope Francis hugs a boy before holding a Mass at the Amman stadium during a visit to Jordan in 2014. AFP
Pope Francis hugs a boy before holding a Mass at the Amman stadium during a visit to Jordan in 2014. AFP
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While you're here
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)

Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm) 
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm) 
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm) 
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn  (4.30pm) 
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm) 
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)

Sunday, May 17

Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)

Monday, May 18

Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Director: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 4/5

The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Enterprise-grade%20security%20and%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Unlimited%20higher-speed%20GPT-4%20access%20with%20no%20caps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Longer%20context%20windows%20for%20processing%20longer%20inputs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Advanced%20data%20analysis%20capabilities%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customisation%20options%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shareable%20chat%20templates%20that%20companies%20can%20use%20to%20collaborate%20and%20build%20common%20workflows%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Analytics%20dashboard%20for%20usage%20insights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Free%20credits%20to%20use%20OpenAI%20APIs%20to%20extend%20OpenAI%20into%20a%20fully-custom%20solution%20for%20enterprises%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
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Honeymoonish
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

While you're here
Company%20profile
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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh122,745

On sale: now

Dr Graham's three goals

Short term

Establish logistics and systems needed to globally deploy vaccines


Intermediate term

Build biomedical workforces in low- and middle-income nations


Long term

A prototype pathogen approach for pandemic preparedness  

Iraq