Despite threats of the COVID-19 pandemic and security risks, Pope Francis is bound today for Iraq, making him the first Vicar of Christ to have a papal visit to the country
Pope Francis' first apostolic visit for 2021 is finally happening and will be historical by significant proportions. As of writing, Pope Francis has already departed the Leonardo Da Vinci airport bound for Iraq and will be staying there until 8 March 2021. If the papal visit becomes successful, Pope Francis will be the first pope to visit the birthplace of Abraham, the first pope to celebrate Mass in the Chaldean rite, and his papal visit will be the first since the spread of a global pandemic that is still continues to wreck havoc in many parts of the world.
Read also: The Catholic Church And Social Media During The Lenten Season And COVID-19 Pandemic
Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI have received the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Vatican last January.
In a recent video message to the Iraqi people, Pope Francis clarified that he is coming to their country as a "penitent pilgrim", a "pilgrim of peace", and a "pilgrim of hope". Primarily, his agenda is to reassure the dwindling Christian community in the war-torn country and foster inter-religious dialogue among Muslims and Christians, as well as between Shia and Sunni Muslims.