The trip is taking place despite concerns about the pandemic and security. Here’s a brief look at why Francis is visiting Iraq, what the trip will entail and what he hopes to achieve.
Tag: Francis
Pope’s Planned Visit to Iraq, Amid Pandemic, Raises Questions of Timing
Pope Francis has said he is determined to visit the war-torn country. But some worry that the visit will become a superspreader event in a land where the virus still rages.
Pope Formalizes Women’s Roles, but Priesthood Stays Out of Reach
Pope Francis has amended the Catholic Church laws so that women may be Bible readers at Mass, serve at the altar and distribute communion — practices already common in many countries.
Pope Calls Coronavirus Vaccinations an Ethical Obligation
Saying he will be vaccinated himself next week, Francis described the refusal to get the vaccine as suicidal.
Pope Francis to Skip New Year Services Because of Leg Condition
The Vatican said Pope Francis was suffering from sciatica, which has hobbled him in the past. But he will lead the noontime Angelus prayer on New Year’s Day.
Argentina Senate to Vote on Bill Legalizing Abortion
A bill before the Senate would make abortion legal in the predominantly Catholic nation, the homeland of Pope Francis. Its approval likely would have significant effect across Latin America.
Pope Francis Strips Powerful Vatican Office of Its Financial Assets
A financial scandal involving the secretariat of state has given fresh impetus to Francis’ reform agenda.
Images of Light: Christmas Services Penetrate Darkness Around the World
Despite the pandemic, Christmas traditions endure, shedding some brightness in a gloomy season.
Pope Francis Makes Christmas Appeal for Nations to Share Covid-19 Vaccines
The pope made his remarks from inside the Vatican instead of before large crowds on St. Peter’s Square, as Christians around the world scaled back or reimagined Christmas traditions.
Pope Calls Uighurs ‘Persecuted,’ Prompting Pushback From China
In a new book, Pope Francis mentioned the crackdown on the Muslim minority group for the first time. Beijing rejected his characterization as “groundless.”