Catholic Church in Iraq
The Latest
Full text: Pope Francis’ address to the Iraqi authorities, civil society, and diplomatic corps
Here is the full prepared text of Pope Francis’ address to the Iraqi authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps,... Read more
Pope Francis in Iraq: ‘The name of God cannot be used to justify acts of murder’
In his first speech in Iraq, Pope Francis called for an end to violence and extremism so that ordinary Iraqis... Read more
Pope Francis meets with Iraqi refugees before flight to Baghdad
Pope Francis met with Iraqi refugees in Rome early Friday before his flight to Baghdad. Read more
Pope Francis entrusts Iraq trip to Virgin Mary’s protection
On the eve of his departure for a three-day trip to Iraq, Pope Francis visited a Rome basilica to ask... Read more
Pope Francis will bless this Virgin Mary statue desecrated by Islamic State
Iraqi Catholics have asked Pope Francis to bless a statue of the Virgin Mary that was desecrated by the Islamic... Read more
Pope Francis says he is coming to Iraq as ‘a pilgrim of peace’
A day before he departs for Baghdad, Pope Francis sent a video message to the Iraqi people, saying that he... Read more
Christians and Muslims alike welcome Pope Francis' trip to Iraq
Iraqi Christians and Muslims alike have expressed excitment for Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Iraq, an aid worker based in... Read more
Pope Francis calls for end to ‘bloody clashes’ in Burma
Pope Francis appealed on Wednesday for an end to “bloody clashes” and the release of political leaders in Burma. Read more
Archbishop Warda: With papal visit, world will see ‘joyful people’ of Iraq
The Chaldean Catholic archbishop of Erbil said he hopes with Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq, the world will see a... Read more
Apostolic nuncio in Iraq tests positive for COVID-19 five days before papal trip
The apostolic nunciature in Iraq reported on Sunday, Feb. 28 that the Nuncio Mitja Leskovar, has tested positive for COVID... Read more
Where is Pope Francis going in Iraq and why? A CNA Explainer
In a week’s time Pope Francis is expected to make history by becoming the first pope to travel to Iraq.... Read more
Former Vatican ambassador in Baghdad looks ahead to Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq
When Cardinal Fernando Filoni served as the papal nuncio in Iraq in the early 2000s, he remained in Baghdad amid... Read more
Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq comes as country faces ‘multiple crises’
Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq comes at a time when the country faces severe political, socioeconomic, and security challenges. The... Read more
Iraqi government imposes COVID restrictions weeks before papal visit
The Iraqi government has announced new COVID-19 restrictions, including the closure of all places of worship, less than three weeks... Read more
Pope Francis to visit Iraqi cathedral burned by Islamic State
The Great Al-Tahira Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Bakhdida was charred black inside after the Islamic State set it aflame after... Read more
Pope Francis to meet top Shiite cleric on Iraq visit, says cardinal
Pope Francis will meet with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani during his trip to Iraq, a cardinal said on Thursday Read more
Cardinal calls for 3-day ‘Nineveh fast’ for return to peace and stability in Iraq
Chaldean Catholics in Iraq are undertaking a three-day “Nineveh fast” this week to pray for peace and security in their... Read more
Pope Francis sends condolences after 32 killed in suicide bombings in Iraq
Pope Francis said on Thursday that he was praying for the victims of two suicide bombings in Baghdad, which took place... Read more
Iraqi Catholics urged to pray at Sunday Masses that Pope Francis will be able to visit country
A cardinal has called on Iraqi Catholics to pray at Sunday Masses that Pope Francis will be able to visit... Read more
Catholic archbishop: papal visit could ‘change trajectory’ of Christian presence in Iraq
Iraqi Archbishop Bashar Warda has said that Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the country could be a turning point for... Read more
