Papal visit to Iraq

Details of Pope Francis’s first visit by a pontif to Iraq have been confirmed, visiting Baghdad and Ur, Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh. Despite fears it may be cancelled or postponed, the Vatican has announced it will begin as planned on Friday 5 March, when the pope departs from Rome to arrive at Baghdad International Airport that afternoon. An official welcome ceremony will take place at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad, followed by a visit to President Barham Salih.