BAGHDAD (IRAQ) – Pope Francis ended his historic tour of Iraq on Monday, returning from Baghdad after making a visit to conflict-torn cities, having discussions with Muslim and Christian leaders, while at the same time preaching peace and coexistence over war.
Francis waved one last time from before getting on board a plane flying the Vatican and Iraqi flags from its cockpit windows. President Barham Salih was seen accompanying the 84-year-old pontiff to his flight.
During Francis’ trip, which was the first ever papal visit to Iraq, he visited four cities, including Mosul, telling Iraqis that “peace is more powerful than war.” Mosul continues to have vast areas in ruins.
He said Iraq would “always remain with me, in my heart”.
The pontiff also made a historical first meeting with Iraq’s Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq’s top Shi’ite Muslim cleric.
Iraqis said it was a chance to show the world their perpetually crisis-hit nation in a new light.