Pope Francis condemns “IS, abuse of religion in terror”

Pope Francis having an interreligious prayer meeting in Ur, where the prophet Abraham is believed to have been born on March 6, 2021, is broadcast on Iraqi state TV. © Reuters = News1 © News1 Reporter Seoyoon Choi

Pope Francis, who is visiting Iraq, condemned the Islamic State (IS) for abuse of religion in terror on the 6th.

According to the AFP news agency, Pope Francis held an interreligious prayer meeting in Ur, the ancient city where Abraham, the father of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, was believed to have been born, and condemned such religious extremism.

Regarding IS, the Pope said, “We believers cannot be silent when terrorists abuse religion.” The IS has ruled most of northern Iraq for three years, persecuting religious minorities.

Pope Francis having an interreligious prayer meeting in Ur, where the prophet Abraham is believed to have been born on March 6, 2021, is broadcast on Iraqi state TV. © Reuters = News1 © News1 Reporter Seoyoon Choi

The Pope also called for freedom of religion and thought, saying, “Religious freedom is a fundamental right that must be recognized everywhere.” In Iraq, where the majority of Muslims are, the proportion of Christians has declined to 1% of the 40 million total population over the past 20 years.

It also appealed for peace and unity in the world and in the Middle East. Pope Francis said, “I hope the world moves from conflict to unity,” he said. “Pray for the whole Middle East, especially neighboring Syria.”

Pope Francis arrives at Ur, an ancient archaeological site near Ur in Nasiriyah, Ayrak on March 6, 2021, and prays between religions. © Reuters = News1 © News1 Reporter Seoyoon Choi

Earlier this morning, Pope Francis met with Ayatollah Illy Alsistani, Iraq’s top Shi’ite leader, for 50 minutes.

The Pope told Sistani that “we must contribute and cooperate with local interests through mutual respect and dialogue among religious communities.” “Religion and spiritual leadership should play a role in stopping the tragedy,” said Sistani.

This day’s meeting is the most important event of the 3 nights and 4 days, which runs from the previous day to the 8th, and received worldwide attention as the first’meeting between religious leaders’ in the 2000 years of Catholicism.

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