Pope: guaranteeing a place for Christians in the future of Iraq

Francis met with Iraqi President Barham Salih. During the visit, discussions centred on “promoting stability and the reconstruction process, encouraging the path of dialogue” as well as “preserving the historical presence of Christians in the country, of which they are an integral part”.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – The President of Iraq, Barham Salih, visited the Vatican today where he met with Pope Francis (pictured) and later Card Pietro Parolin, secretary of state, as well as by Mgr Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

Guaranteeing a place for Christians in the future of Iraq and promoting the country’s stability were key points in the talks.

In a statement, the Vatican noted that “During the cordial discussions, the good bilateral relations were evoked, and the parties focused on the challenges the country currently faces and on the importance of promoting stability and the reconstruction process, encouraging the path of dialogue and the search for suitable solutions in favour of citizens and with respect for national sovereignty.

“Attention then turned to the importance of preserving the historical presence of Christians in the country, of which they are an integral part, and the significant contribution they bring to the reconstruction of the social fabric, highlighting the need to guarantee their security and a place in the future of Iraq.

“Finally, the parties discussed the various conflicts and grave humanitarian crises that afflict the region, underlining the importance of the efforts made with the support of the international community to re-establish trust and peaceful co-existence.”

• vatican
• iraq
• pope francis
• president barham salih
• pietro parolin
• paul richard gallagher
• christians
• presence
• future
• co-existence