Pope Francis Preaches Tolerance in War Torn Iraq, and Even Militias Welcome Him

Pope Francis Preaches Tolerance in War Torn Iraq, and Even Militias Welcome Him: Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) - Al Jazeera reports that Pope Francis began his unprecedented trip to Iraq on Friday, his first visit abroad since the beginning of the pandemic. No pope had ever visited Iraq, though the country once had a significant Christian population. Part of the reason for the pope's visit is to give heart to the dwindling Christian community, which includes Uniate Catholics. Pope Francis said that he is going to Iraq as a penitential pilgrim, asking God's forgiveness for the years of war and violence that have afflicted Iraq, and as a pilgrim of peace. Pope John