Pope Francis concludes his Apostolic Journey to Iraq, a visit that took him to six cities and historical sites. He comforted the people, especially Catholics and Christians, harshly tried by sectarian violence and terrorism, and appealed for tolerance, fraternity, hope and peace. Read more at the Vatican News web portal: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/pope-francis-apostolic-journey-departs-conclusion.html | Vatican News

Amid the ruins in Mosul, Pope Francis prays for the victims of war in Iraq and in the whole of the Middle East. | Vatican News

On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq, Pope Francis celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the Chaldean Cathedral of St. Joseph in Baghdad. The Holy Father on Saturday told Iraq’s Catholics that they are precious in the eyes of God because they witness to the Beatitudes of Jesus in their daily life. He said they are witnesses who, by living the Beatitudes, are helping God fulfil His promises of peace. Read more at the Vatican News web portal: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-0

On March 17, 2018, Pope Francis visited Pietrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo in southern Italy and prayed at the tomb of Saint Padre Pio. His visit marked the 100th anniversary of Padre Pio receiving the visible stigmata and the 50th anniversary of his death. | Catholic News Agency