Pope Francis Discusses with Iraqi PM Situation of Christians in Iraq

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VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis met on Wednesday with Iraqi Prime Minister Haydar al-Abadi in Vatican City, where they discussed the situation of Christians in that Arab country and the need to protect their rights, the Holy See said in a statement.
During their meeting, they touched upon good bilateral relations, the life of the Church in the country and the situation of Christians and ethnic and religious minorities living in Iraq.

They focused particularly on the importance of these minorities’ presence in Iraq and the need to protect their rights.

Pope Francis and al-Abadi discussed the role of interfaith dialogue and the responsibility of religious communities in the promotion of tolerance and peace.

They also talked about the importance of the ongoing reconciliation process between the various social components in Iraq, as well as the national and regional humanitarian situations, according to the note.

The Iraqi prime minister met also with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Gallagher.

Al-Abadi started on Wednesday a visit to Italy and Germany and is scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference.

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