Iraq says it 'will never forget' Pope Francis's landmark visit

World leaders send condolences after Pope's death

The death of Pope Francis has stirred a wave of sorrow across Iraq, where he is remembered not only as the head of the Catholic Church, but also as the first pontiff who dared to set foot in the country when few others would.

For many, his historic visit in March 2021 remains a moment of profound spiritual and national significance – one of the rare occasions in recent memory when Iraq captured the world’s attention not for war or division, but for a message of peace, unity and hope.

The Head of the Iraq-based Chaldean Catholic Church Cardinal Louis Sako lamented the Pope as a “great” figure.

“It is sad news that this great Pope, with his humanity, openness, love, and spirituality, has left us,” Mr Sako said.

“Amid all these wars, death and destruction, the world needed his paternal voice. We in Iraq will never forget his visit. He left our world on Easter, with the certainty that he is in heaven,” he said.

Pope Francis defied security concerns to make his groundbreaking visit, walking through cities scarred by ISIS, praying among the ruins of Mosul, and embracing Shiite leader Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani in a rare meeting.

A message of condolence issued by Mr Al Sistani said Pope Francis “held a high spiritual status among many peoples of the world and was widely respected for his distinguished role in promoting peace, tolerance, and expressing solidarity with the oppressed and persecuted across the globe”.

His meeting with the pontiff was a “moment of great significance, as both parties affirmed the essential role of faith in God Almighty and His messages, as well as the commitment to noble moral values in overcoming the major challenges facing humanity in this era”, it said.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid said that with the death of Pope Francis, “the entire world loses a unique religious and humanitarian figure, one who, throughout his life, rendered invaluable services to the causes of peace, poverty and religious tolerance”.

Mr Rashid added that he “left an unforgettable mark in his adherence to humane positions that rejected wars and violence and called for peace and coexistence among all peoples”.

“We offer our condolences to the Catholic Church, Christians, and the entire world on the passing of His Holiness. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani extended his condolences to all Christians in Iraq and around the world for their "painful loss", saying the Pope was "known for his sympathy with the suffering of the poor and the oppressed around the world".

His death came after "a long life dedicated to serving humanity, deepening ties between the peoples of the earth, and working to promote peace and noble social and moral values", Mr Al Sudani said.

The President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Nechirvan Barzani, remembered the Pope as a "man of great humility, compassion and moral courage". Mr Barzani added: "His legacy will forever resonate as a beacon of hope, peace and human dignity for generations to come."

'Great men never die'

During his three-day visit, Pope Francis met senior Iraqi government officials, as well as community leaders from different religions, and held prayer services.

After meeting Christian victims of ISIS and hearing their testimonies of survival, he called for an end to violence in the country and urged Iraqis to forgive and turn a new page.

Former Iraqi president Barham Salih, who greeted Pope Francis in Baghdad, said he was “deeply saddened” by his death, describing him as a “beacon of compassion and moral courage”.

For Father Nadhir Dako, pastor at Mar Yousef Chaldean Cathedral, the pope's meeting with Mr Al Sistani was “the sweeter and more beautiful memory” from the trip.

“They sat and discussed the profound concept of human brotherhood that unites people, doesn't divide them, and brings religious together, filling hearts with love, brotherhood and peace,” Father Dako told The National with a voice full of sorrow.

“They opened a new horizon for shared human life in Iraq."

Christians in Iraq trace their roots back to the beginning of the faith. Iraq has 14 recognised Christian sects, but two decades of back-to-back conflicts left ancient Christian communities that were once a vibrant and integral part of the landscape scattered and in ruins.

An estimated one million Christians have left Iraq in the past decade. It is difficult to know how many remain in the country, but community leaders estimate that there are fewer than 500,000.

The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, on Monday. He was 88.

The pontiff had suffered various ailments during his 12-year papacy. His tenure was marked by division and tension as he sought to overhaul the church.

“Great men never die,” Father Dako said. “This kind Pope, his hand was always extended to the poor and weak. May God raise him to heavenly glory.”