Papal travel Archives - Page 3 of 73

Vatican releases program for papal trip to Iraq

Feb 8, 2021

Pope Francis said his upcoming trip to Iraq would be an important sign of his concern for the region’s Christians, but also an important opportunity to build fraternity through interreligious dialogue.

By Cindy Wooden

Iraqi priest hopes papal visit will heal hearts in his troubled nation

Feb 5, 2021

One Iraqi priest has voiced hope that if Pope Francis’s scheduled visit to Iraq next month takes place as expected, the trip would encourage the country’s persecuted Christian minority and help restore trust with the Muslim community.

By Elise Ann Allen

Iraq warns of new Coronavirus wave as Vatican aide doubles down on papal trip

Jan 31, 2021

Iraq’s Ministry of Health and Environment issued a statement Friday warning of a possible second wave of the COVID-19 coronavirus, which they said could be even deadlier than the first.

By Elise Ann Allen

Iraqi prelate still confident in papal visit despite recent terrorism

Jan 26, 2021

Despite renewed security concerns after a series of recent terrorist attacks, one of Iraq’s top prelates has said preparations for Pope Francis’s upcoming visit are still underway.

By Elise Ann Allen

Latest papal health scare doesn’t mean the end, but it may mean change

Jan 24, 2021

Sciatica is not life-threatening, it doesn’t shorten the lifespan, and it doesn’t pose the risk of either physical or mental incapacity. That’s not to say it’s trivial – as Francis himself said talking about it in 2013, “I don’t wish it on anyone!” – but it’s not the sort of thing that raises questions about the pope’s ability to govern.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Papal trip to Argentina, Uruguay still on the table, pope tells ambassador

Jan 14, 2021

Pope Francis told Uruguay’s new ambassador to the Holy See that a future visit to the country as well as to his native Argentina is still very much on the table.

By Junno Arocho Esteves

Iraqis say for local Christians, papal visit will ‘give us back our smile’

Dec 14, 2020

Locals say Pope Francis’s upcoming trip to Iraq is both a much-needed sign of encouragement for the battered local Christian community and an opportunity to promote unity and mutual respect among the country’s diverse population.

By Elise Ann Allen

Papal travel during a pandemic – what impact will it have?

Dec 11, 2020

Pope Francis’s visit to Iraq in March will carry huge significance for the nation’s small and persecuted Christian minority living in an ancient culture with deep Christian roots, but it takes on special meaning given the coronavirus pandemic.

By Elise Ann Allen