The Iraqi Government and the local Catholic Church invited Pope Francis to visit the country. This was a historical event and opened up the country officially to the world. It is also the first time in history that a pope visited Mesopotamia. The visit took place between 5th March and 8th March in 2021. During this time Pope Francis visited Baghdad, Ur, Najaf, Qaraqosh, Erbil and Mosul. The presence of the Pope brought hope to the Iraqi people and sent a message of peace between the different faiths in Iraq. This event followed with the implementation of Visa on arrival for many countries from the 15th March 2021 on and marks an end of Iraq’s isolation to the world.
Follow Pope Francis’ itinerary!