In central Tahrir square, a mock tree was erected emblazoned with the Vatican emblem, while Iraqi and Vatican flags lined empty streets. In Iraq, Francis is seeking to not only honor its martyrs but deliver a message of reconciliation and fraternity. The 84-year-old pope, the Vatican delegation and travelling media have been vaccinated; most Iraqis have not. While hard numbers are hard to come by, there were an estimated 1.4 million Christians in Iraq in 2003. He doesn’t expect more to return, but he nevertheless said Francis’ visit would have immeasurable importance for those who stayed.

Source: Egypt Independent March 05, 2021 06:45 UTC