Pope Francis gives us a tour of Iraq.
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27555)
Philippines
March 7, 2021 3:16am CST
It's so good to see Iraq in a different light. The Jews, the Christians, and the Muslims have gathered together to welcome the Head of State of the littlest nation on earth - Pope Francis of Vatican City.
Also the head of the 1,7 billion strong Catholic Church, the octogenarian of a Pontiff already walked with a limp. Commending the successor of Peter for continuing the long red carpet at the tarmac walk.
(I would have requested for a walker.)
Did watch and listen to the live feed of the three-day tour. Happy to see the Iraqis welcoming and hospitable.
Especially interesting was the sound of their music, especially the rhythm of the drums. Love it.
Pope Francis met with Iraq’s Shia Muslim leader before crossing the desert to the ruins of the ancient city of Ur for an interfaith meeting.» Subscribe to NB...
5 people like this
5 responses
@peachpurple (13961)
• Malaysia
7 Mar 21
The peacemaker is here. Pray for peace and harmony for the innocent people
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
9 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
Yes peace is possible if all sides show a willingness.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
12 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
Yet from the world events, peace looks far away!
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
9 Mar 21
Peace is truly elusive. But Pope Francis in Irag, specifically in Mosul and Qaraqosh, shows peace is achievable.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
12 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
Yes Iraq has suffered a lot through wars and internal conflicts.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
13 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
That was the past. Past is Past.
Many Indians keep on harping about the 5000 year old civilization but the present day India is a far cry from a civilization that can count itself as among the best.
US might still want to be seen as a Global super-cop but fails to prevent 500K plus deaths due to Pandemic.
Britain can harp on its colonial past but has so many troubles today.
What we need is for all civilizations, cultures and religions to shun hatred and narrow mindedness and work towards benefit for all global folks.
Else our earth is destined for a big big decline.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
7 Mar 21
May your words come true.
Iraq has had enough war.
Iraq has had enough war.3 people like this
@rsa101 (41105)
• Philippines
10 Mar 21
That was a brave move for him to come to a place that is full of danger and uncertainty. I am glad that the trip was done safely without any problem with the people there being a country with very few Christians practicing their faith there. I guess that is a morale booster for them that the highest man in the church was able to visit them there is a minority
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
13 Mar 21
@rsa101
Yes the Pope must have been given a very tight security. Even Iraq's Government would have made big arrangements. And do not forget, US still has some Military presence in Iraq.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
12 Mar 21
The visit was facilitated as a state visit. Thus the red carpet roll at the tarmac.
Pope Francis is head of state and accorded the necessary security measures. See all the body guards on foot beside the vehicle the Pope was in? I almost took pity on one with a rather extra large belly. But he kept his pace and seemed all right.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
15 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
Yes they would be very careful about the security.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
9 Mar 21
I have seen the current Pope taking bold and far reaching steps for inter-religious harmony.
Something that the whole world needs.
Alas, some of India's neighbours do not want to follow the path of peace.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
15 Mar 21
@emge01 Exactly. Mincing words would further confusion.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
12 Mar 21
Pope Francis paid a pastoral visit to Iraq. That had been the mission-vision of the Catholic Church for the longest time - to reach out to the least, the last, and the lost.
Pope Francis said he came as a penitent, recognizing the atrocities caused by the Catholic Church in the past. He came to ask for forgiveness especially from historic Iraq from which came the Father of All Nations - Abraham of Ur. The Christians share the same history with the Judaism and Islam.
India is one strong nation rich in history. Am sure that one day, the people will find common grounds for peace and harmony.
I like India very much.
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (53005)
• Mojave, California
7 Mar 21
Nice , good post whether it works or not at least someone trying something. This pope really does practice what he he preaches that is about the biggest fresh of air I have ever seen in this life. Sour point its so corrupt, but will leave it there because kind of thinking making some people think.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
7 Mar 21
Thanks. Pope Francis did remind the Iraqis of the need to observe the Beatitudes. He specifically cited the prophecy of Jonah and likened our times to that of Nineveh.
It's a time immemorial problem, that corruption thing. But like Francis of Assisi who was told to repair the church in the 13th century, when the clergy acted like governors and czars, Pope Francis has come to repair the what has been literally destroyed. As you say, let's give it to the aging Pontiff. At least he is doing something.
2 people like this
@crossbones27 (53005)
• Mojave, California
7 Mar 21
@eileenleyva Yeah its amazing we at this point still, I have not seen a pope in my life verbally speak out against corruption like this one. Hope they do not kill him, and kind of think why he can do it, world is watching. Lets hope world gives him Godly strength.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
7 Mar 21
@crossbones27 Pope John XXXIII and Pope John Paul II did. That was why their pontificates were so hailed and admired.
1 person likes this
