Iraq Archives - Page 2 of 60

Poll finds that on anti-Christian persecution, U.S. Catholics now get it

Mar 18, 2021

According to the most recent survey by Aid to the Church in Need, when it comes to American Catholic attitudes about anti-persecution around the world, Catholics in the US now appreciate there’s a severe persecution of Christians around the world, even if they still come up a little short on the fine points.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Iraq visit a ‘milestone’ in interreligous dialogue, cardinal says

Mar 16, 2021

A top papal aide has praised Pope Francis’s meeting with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husaymi al-Sistani while in Iraq earlier this month has been praised by a top papal aide as a significant step forward in Catholic relations with Shia Islam.

By Elise Ann Allen

Iraqis hope papal visit offered a ‘roadmap’ to country’s future

Mar 14, 2021

As the dust settles on Pope Francis’s historic March 5-8 visit to Iraq, people in the troubled country inspired by what they saw and heard from the pontiff are hoping his message has last impact.

By Inés San Martín

Iraqi woman who met the pope sees little chance for change

Mar 12, 2021

The story of Doha Sabah Abdallah’s personal tragedy and loss deeply resonated with Pope Francis during his historic visit last weekend to the northern Iraqi town of Qaraqosh, once devastated by Islamic State group militants.

By Samya Kullab

Iraqi refugees pleased with Pope’s visit, but say they still won’t go back

Mar 11, 2021

Imagine fleeing your home in the middle of the night to escape anti-Christian violence, spending years stranded as a refugee in a neighboring country, and watching the pope visit your home city.

By Inés San Martín

Meeting pope ‘best birthday gift ever’, says father of drowned refugee children

Mar 9, 2021

Abdullah Kurdi, the father of the young refugee boy who death five years ago woke the world up to the reality of the migration crisis, has described his recent meeting with Pope Francis as the best birthday present that he’s ever received.

By Elise Ann Allen

Papal trip to Iraq influences Muslims beyond Iraq’s borders, analyst says

Mar 8, 2021

Pope Francis’s historic visit to the Middle East’s most conflict-riven nation gives hope and comfort to Iraqis of all faiths, and some would even say to Arabs beyond Iraq’s borders.

By Dale Gavlak

Pope says he’s not afraid of being called ‘heretic’ for outreach to Islam

Mar 8, 2021

“You know there are some critics who say the pope is not courageous but unconscious, that he’s taking steps against Catholic doctrine, that he’s one step from heresy,” Pope Francis said Monday. “These are risks, but these decisions are taken always in prayer, in dialogue, asking for advice.”

By Inés San Martín