The meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani came as Francis sought to protect his persecuted flock in Iraq by forging closer bonds between the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim world.
Tag: Roman Catholic Church
Pope Francis Begins Visit to Iraq
The pope’s four-day trip is intended to nurture ties with Shiite Muslims and encourage a Christian population decimated by years of strife.
In Pictures: Pope Francis in Iraq
As the pope makes a three-day trip to Iraq, a look at images of the historic moment.
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.
Why Is Pope Francis Visiting Iraq?
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.
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.
Former Vatican Banker Convicted of Money Laundering and Embezzlement
The ruling by the Vatican court signaled the church’s desire to get its financial house in order following past scandals.
Ireland Report on Mother and Baby Homes Reveals Abuse and Thousands of Deaths
A government commission found high death rates, unethical vaccine trials and traumatic living conditions at 18 homes that housed unwed mothers up until the 1990s.
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.