The New York Times: The Pope ran into a struggle before deciding to visit Iraq

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[size=52]The New York Times: The Pope ran into a struggle before deciding to visit Iraq[/size]

[size=45]During a press conference on the plane that took him from Baghdad back to Rome, the Pope of the Vatican said that he was very hesitant to visit Iraq in the midst of the emerging Corona virus pandemic, but he chose in the end to put in God's hands the fate of those who gathered in the crowded churches to meet him. And according to what was reported by "The New York Times", Pope Francis was in a struggle over this visit before he took a final position on it.[/size]
[size=45]In response to a question about whether he was worried that his trip would lead to injury or death to one of the people who had gathered to see him, the Pope said: "I thought about it a lot. I prayed for this visit."[/size]
[size=45]Christians gathered in churches, often without wearing face masks, to meet Pope Francis, who visited Iraq last week for 4 days.[/size]
[size=45]From Friday to Monday, the Pope traveled between Baghdad, Najaf, Dhi Qar, Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh, which suffered for years from the presence of terrorists, to cross a total of 1,445 km via plane, helicopter or armored car.[/size]
[size=45]Pope Francis, 84, who was not wearing a mask, said he was aware of the dangers, but after praying, “I made the decision to go to Iraq. God will take care of the people. ”[/size]
[size=45]Coronavirus cases are increasing in Iraq, with nearly 4,800 new infections and 24 deaths reported during the past 24 hours.[/size]
[size=45]While critics said the Pope's high-profile trip, which included numerous stops to attract thousands of people, sent a dangerous and irresponsible message to a world still in the grip of a deadly virus pandemic fueled by rapidly spreading mutations, supporters argued that the Pope's trip was worth the risk to show his support for one of the The most affected and suffering pillars of his church.[/size]
[size=45]Other popes had hoped to visit Iraq, where an ancient Christian society was deteriorating, but Francis is considered the first pope to visit the country, and he has promoted his grand project of establishing closer ties with the Islamic world and reasserting himself on the world stage after a year of closure.[/size]
[size=45]But even as he succeeded in drawing attention to the church in Iraq and showing support for it, concerns remained about the tax of this visit.[/size]
[size=45]Archbishop Paul Gallagher, who is in charge of Vatican foreign relations, says in an on-board interview that the Vatican has insisted that restrictions be followed, but that local authorities bear ultimate responsibility for such measures. He added, "We will pray very hard for things to go well."[/size]
[size=45]In a message sent by the captain of his plane to the Iraqi air traffic control tower, the Pope also expressed “gratitude” to the Iraqis for their “warm” and “hospitable” reception during his stay.[/size]
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