A delegation from the Vatican arrives in Najaf in preparation for the Pope’s visit

A delegation from the Vatican arrived at Najaf International Airport in Iraq, in preparation for the visit of Pope Francis to the city of Najaf, south of Baghdad, next March.

The Vatican confirmed earlier this week that Pope Francis will hold a meeting in Iraq with the great Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, on the occasion of his historic visit to this country, which is expected from 5 to 8 March.

According to the official program of the visit published by the Vatican, the Pope will take a plane on the morning of March 6 to go to the holy city of Najaf in southern Baghdad to visit Ayatollah Sistani.

The Pope’s visit includes Baghdad, Mosul and the ancient city of Ur, the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. He will hold a mass in Baghdad at Our Lady of Deliverance Church, which was attacked in 2010, killing dozens of worshipers.

Source: “Nova” + “AFP”

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