The Pope says he wants to visit Iraq next year – in what would be the first ever papal trip to the country
- Pope Francis made the improvised remark in an address to a group of charities
- Conflict led to an exodus of Christians in Iraq and other Middle East countries
- Iraq’s small Christian population of a few thousand suffered hardships under ISIS
- But they have recovered their freedoms since the jihadists have been pushed out
Pope Francis has said he wants to travel to Iraq next year, which would be the first ever papal trip there.
The pontiff made the improvised remark in an address to members of a group of charities that help Christians in the Middle East and other areas.
He said: ‘A constant thought accompanies me when I think of Iraq. Where I have the will to go next year.’
Pope Francis (pictured walking as he celebrates the Pentecost Mass in Saint Peter’s square at the Vatican yesterday) made the improvised remark in an address to members of a group of charities that help Christians in the Middle East and other areas
Wars and conflicts have led to an exodus of Christians in Iraq and some other countries in the Middle East.
Iraq’s small Christian population of several hundred thousand suffered particular hardships when Islamic State controlled large parts of the country, but have recovered freedoms since the jihadists were pushed out.
Iraq is home to many different eastern rite churches, both Catholic and Orthodox.
He said: ‘A constant thought accompanies me when I think of Iraq. Where I have the will to go next year’
In 2000, the late Pope John Paul wanted to visit the ancient Iraqi city of Ur, traditionally held to be the birthplace of Abraham.
It was to have been the first leg of a three-step pilgrimage to Iraq, Egypt and Israel.
But negotiations with the government of then Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein broke down and he was unable to go.
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