Pope Francis Begins Apostolic Visit to Iraq

Pope Francis sets off on an apostolic visit to Iraq today, Friday, March 5. In this long-planned trip, the pope hopes to ease tensions between people of Muslim and Christian faith, another step toward "fraternity amongst believers." 

Before his visit, Iraq was the only nation in the holy land that had not been visited by a pope. During his weekly audience, Pope Francis expressed his eagerness to visit the people of Iraq. "For a long time I have wanted to meet those people who have suffered so much; to meet that martyred Church in the land of Abraham." Stay tuned for a follow-up to his visit in the next MCC Weekly Update.