The pontiff said that he had wrestled with the decision to travel, but put the fate of the Iraqis who flocked to see him in God’s hands.
Tag: Muslims and Islam
Swiss Voters Narrowly Approve a Ban on Face Coverings
The referendum forbids veils worn by Muslim women in public places, as well as ski masks donned by protesters.
Amid the Rubble of Mosul, Francis Offers a Salve for Iraq’s Wounds
The first pope ever to visit Iraq, Francis voiced sorrow and hope for a shrunken Christian community that has suffered persecution, and preached fellowship among religions.
Indonesia Says Schools Can’t Make Girls Wear Head Scarves
The decree, which applies to public schools in the Muslim-majority country, came after a Christian father confronted an official at his daughter’s school.
In Iraq’s Christian Heartland, a Feud Over a Town’s Identity
Pope Francis will arrive in a country whose ancient Christian towns are in danger of disappearing. In one, a Christian community’s survival may come at the expense of another minority group.
Pressuring France to Bring Them Home, Women Who Joined ISIS Stage Hunger Strike
Frenchwomen who joined the Islamic State and are now held in squalid detention camps in Syria have gone on a hunger strike to protest France’s refusal to bring them back.
They Built Libraries to Honor Loved Ones, Women Felled by Bombings
As negotiations push forward, it is unclear whether Afghanistan can achieve peace with the Taliban while preserving gains made on women’s rights and education.
Tomb of Joshua, Revered Prophet, Beckons Believers in Baghdad
No one knows for certain if Joshua, the Old Testament prophet, actually lived or where he might be buried. But for over 1,000 years, the sick and faithful have visited a Baghdad tomb said to be his.
Heating Up Culture Wars, France to Scour Universities for Ideas That ‘Corrupt Society’
The government announced an investigation into social science research, broadening attacks on what it sees as destabilizing American influences.
French National Assembly Backs Law to Combat Islamist Extremism
The bill faced hundreds of amendments but passed comfortably, despite opposition from left and right. It now goes to the Senate for final approval.