Us President Barham Salih welcomes Pope Francis during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Baghdad, where the pontiff made a rousing call for peace and urged an end to religious factionalism.Reuters
US President Joe Biden welcomed the ' historic' visit by Pope Francis to Iraq on Monday, saying it sent an ' important' message of brotherhood and peace.
' To see Pope Francis visit ancient religious sites, including the biblical birthplace of Abraham, spend time with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, and offer prayers in Mosul a city that only a few years ago endured the depravity and intolerance of a group like ISIS is a symbol of hope for the entire world.' Biden wrote.
The 84-year-old's packed three-day visit passed off without a hitch despite concerns about security and the coronavirus pandemic. He covered more than 900 miles (1,400 kilometers) inside the conflict-ravaged country.
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