Bagdad: Churches across Iraq have begun reciting a prayer in preparation for the Pope Francis upcoming visit to the Islamic nation.
The Pope is scheduled to visit Iraq March 5-8.
The Iraqi Catholic on January 17 recited the prayer written by Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako.
Millions died in the wars with Iran (1980-1988), with US-led coalition (1990-1991 and 2003-2011) and the ‘Islamic State’ (2014-2017). Tensions still prevail along the border with Syria and within, from Nasiriyah to the area of Mosul. Thousands of corpses continue to be unearthed from mass graves in Mosul, indicating the extent of terrorism that reigned there under the terror of the Islamic State.
Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, the Patriarch the Chaldean Catholic Church and Archbishop of Bagdad, has welcomed the visit saying: “We have been living in fear for some time, but also in hope.” He described it as a sign of rebirth for the country, “a new Christmas.”
Cardinal Sako has composed the following prayer which will be recited during Masses every Sunday:
Lord our God, grant Pope Francis health and safety to carry out successfully this eagerly awaited visit. Bless his effort to promote dialogue, enhance fraternal reconciliation, build confidence, consolidate peace values and human dignity, especially for us Iraqis who have been through painful “events” that affected our lives.
Lord and Creator, enlighten our hearts with Your light, to recognize goodness and peace, and to realize them.
Source: indcatholicnews.com