Pope meets with Iraq’s prime minister

February 10, 2016

Pope Francis met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi at the Vatican on February 10 and discussed the importance of protecting the rights of Christians and other minorities.

“During the cordial discussions, reference was made to the good state of bilateral relations, to the life of the Church in the country and to the situation of Christians and ethnic and religious minorities living in Iraq, with particular reference to the importance of their presence and the need to protect their rights,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement.

“Emphasis was placed on the role of interreligious dialogue and the responsibility of religious communities in promoting tolerance and peace,” the statement added. “In this context, mention was made of the importance of the reconciliation process between the various social sectors within the country, and the national humanitarian and regional situation.”

Following his meeting with the Pontiff, Al-Abadi met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States.

 

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Further information:

• Comunicato della Sala Stampa: Udienza al Primo Ministro della Repubblica dell’Iraq, 10.02.2016 (Holy See Press Office)