• 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's messages to Palestine, Jordan and countries he flew over on route to Iraq

The Pope sends messages to heads of Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Palestine, Israel and Jordan

The National

March 05, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

As Pope Francis flew to Iraq on Friday, he sent messages to the heads of states of all the countries that the papal plane crossed.

His first was for the Italian president, followed by the leaders of Greece, Cyprus, Palestine, Israel and Jordan.

Pope Francis’ message to Italy

As he departed Rome at 7.45am local time, he messaged Italian President Sergio Mattarella:

As I leave Rome to go to Iraq, a pilgrim of peace and brotherhood among peoples, I am pleased to address to you, Mr President, my respectful greeting, which I accompany with fervent wishes of serenity and prosperity for the dear Italian people.

Pope Francis’ message to Greece

The Pope's next telegram was to Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou:

As my Apostolic Journey to Iraq takes me over Greek airspace, I send warm greetings to your Excellency and pray that God Almighty will bestow upon you and your fellow citizens his blessings of unity, peace and prosperity.

Pope Francis’ message to Cyprus

Then flying over Cyprus, the Pope addressed President Nicos Anastasiades:

Entering Cypriot airspace on my Apostolic Journey to Iraq, I extend cordial greetings to your Excellency and the people of Cyprus, with fervent prayers that God will bless you all with harmony and peace.

Pope Francis’ message to Palestine

Addressing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Pope Francis said:

As I fly over Palestinian territory on my Apostolic Journey to Iraq, I extend cordial greetings to your Excellency and your fellow citizens, and I pray that the most high God will bless all Palestinians with peace and well-being.

Pope Francis’ message to Israel

As the Papal plane flew over Israel, Pope Francis sent a telegram to President Reuven Rivlin:

Entering Israeli airspace on my Apostolic Journey to Iraq, I send warm greetings to you and the people of the nation, praying that almighty God will bless all with his gifts of harmony and peace.

Pope Francis’ message to Jordan

The final telegram was to Jordan, where the Pope wrote to King Abdullah II, before arriving in Iraq:

I offer cordial greetings to your majesty, the members of the royal family and the people of Jordan as I fly over Jordanian airspace on my Apostolic Journey to Iraq. Upon the entire nation, I invoke the abundant blessings of the most high.

Iraq