Pope Francis begins a historic visit to Iraq on Friday, the first by a pontiff to the birthplace of the Eastern Churches from where more than a million Christians have fled over the past 20 years. The …
Pope Francis’ historic trip to Iraq embraced by many as a welcome boost
Pope Francis’ upcoming three-day tour of the country will include meetings with political and religious leaders plus visits to historical sites.
Why the pope’s visit to Iraq is so significant
Pope Francis will be the first pope to ever visit this area of great biblical importance — home to ancient civilizations. His trip is happening despite escalating violence, rising COVID cases and …
U.S. officials believe Iran-backed group responsible for latest rocket attack in Iraq
U.S. and Iraqi officials believe that an Iran-backed group with a history of targeting Americans in Iraq was responsible for Wednesday’s attack on an Iraqi air base that hosts U.S. troops. While the …
Pope’s visit brings attention to Iraq’s dwindling Christian population
Pope Francis will arrive in Iraq on Friday in a first-ever papal visit to the country that is expected to raise awareness about the challenges facing Iraqi Christians — a majority of whom are …
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 Francis Travels to Iraq on a Mission of Healing
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.
‘Pilgrim of peace’: Pope Francis heads to Iraq hoping landmark trip can foster friendship
“I long to meet you, see your faces, visit your land, ancient and extraordinary cradle of civilization,” Pope Francis said ahead of his visit.
American contractor in Iraq dies from ‘cardiac episode’ as rockets hit base hosting US troops, Pentagon says
An American contractor has died Wednesday after suffering a “cardiac episode” while sheltering in place during a rocket attack at an airbase in Iraq that hosts U.S., Iraqi and coalition troops, the …
What’s behind the mass exodus of Christians from Iraq?
The future of the ancient Christian communities in the Middle East is in doubt on the eve of Pope Francis’ historic trip to Iraq. CNN’s Ben Wedeman, reporting from Erbil, Iraq, looks at the factors …