Pope Francis begins historic visit to Iraq, calls for end to militant violence

Global News published this video item, entitled “Pope Francis begins historic visit to Iraq, calls for end to militant violence” – below is their description.

Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday, the first time a pontiff has visited the war-torn country. It comes amid security concerns due to a recent spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks. The pope was greeted by songs and dances by performers in traditional costumes.

Several Christians in Iraq who were among the limited number of people welcomed to wave at the Pope’s convoy expressed their excitement at the opportunity, calling it a “one of a kind” visit.

During the first day of his visit, Pope Francis delivered a speech about the “disastrous effects” war has had on Iraq and criticized the factional and foreign interests which have destabilized the country and wider region and how it’s hit ordinary people the hardest.

“May the clash of arms be silenced … may there be an end to acts of violence and extremism,” he said, addressing Iraqi President Barham Salih, politicians and diplomats at the presidential palace.

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In This Story: Iraq

Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia. The capital and largest city is Baghdad. Iraq is home to diverse ethnic groups including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Assyrians, Yazidis, Shabakis, Armenians, Mandaeans, Circassians, Sabians and Kawliya. Around 99% of the country’s 38 million citizens are Muslims, with small minorities of Christians, Yarsans, Yezidis and Mandeans also present. The official languages of Iraq are Arabic and Kurdish.

Iraq has a coastline measuring 58 km (36 miles) on the northern Persian Gulf and encompasses the Mesopotamian Alluvial Plain, the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range and the eastern part of the Syrian Desert. Two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, run south through Iraq and into the Shatt al-Arab near the Persian Gulf. These rivers provide Iraq with significant amounts of fertile land. The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, historically known as Mesopotamia, is often referred to as the cradle of civilisation.

Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of 19 governorates, four of which make up the autonomous Kurdistan Region. Disputes over the sovereignty of Kurdistan Region continue.

Iraq is a founding member of the UN as well as of the Arab League, OIC, Non-Aligned Movement and the IMF.

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