Furthering The Values Of Tolerance And Coexistence

In Iraq, Christian presence goes back nearly to the time of Christ. They subscribe to a number of rites and denominations, of which the Chaldean Catholic is the largest sect, along with Syriac Catholics, Assyrians and several Orthodox churches

- Asad Mirza

Pope Francis’ historical Iraq visit underlined his commitment to interfaith dialogue, tolerance and coexistence, and their necessity in today’s world.

The Head of the Catholic Church arrived in Iraq on March 5 to a red carpet and military band reception at the beginning of the first-ever papal visit to Iraq. He went with a plea for the country to protect its centuries-old diversity, urging Muslims to embrace their Christian neighbours and asking the embattled Christian community, “though small like a mustard seed”, to persevere.

The aim of the trip was to encourage Iraq’s dwindling Christian communities, which have faced violent persecution by the now defunct Daesh terror group, to stop fleeing Iraq and to promote greater dialogue with the country’s Shia majority.

The visit was marred by controversy due to the Pope’s decision to travel during the continuing pandemic, but the Vatican defended his decision, saying all health care precautions had been taken and that the trip was an “act of love for this land, for its people and for its Christians”.

During his meeting in Baghdad with Iraqi President Barham Salih, Pope Francis said Christians and other minorities in Iraq deserve the same rights and protections as the Shia Muslim majority.

He said that the religious, cultural and ethnic diversity that has been a hallmark of Iraqi society for millennia is a precious resource on which to draw, not an obstacle to eliminate, and urged Iraqis to show everyone, especially in the Middle East, that diversity, instead of giving rise to conflict, should lead to harmonious co-operation in society.