US Secretary of State Welcomes Pope's Visit to Iraq... "Hopes to Promote Religious Harmony"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken welcomed the historic first visit of the Pope to Iraq, expressing hope that it would help promote religious harmony. Amid the Biden administration's Middle East policy facing setbacks such as airstrikes on U.S. military bases in Iraq and difficulties in nuclear deal negotiations with Iran, there is anticipation that the Pope's visit could serve as a breakthrough.

According to foreign media including CNN, on the 6th (local time), Secretary Blinken posted on Twitter, "I am pleased to witness His Holiness the Pope's historic visit to Iraq," adding, "I believe his visit will inspire hope and help promote religious harmony and understanding among Iraq and other religious communities worldwide."

Previously, on the day before, Pope Francis made a sudden visit to Iraq, the first in Catholic history. Despite severe political instability marked by rocket attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq up to two days before the visit, U.S. retaliations, and counter-retaliations by Shiite militias, the Pope reportedly proceeded with his schedule despite these threats.

On the previous day, the Pope met with high-ranking officials including Iraqi President Barham Salih, urging that "violence, extremism, factionalism, and narrow-minded behavior must stop." Later, during a meeting with Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the Shiite Islamic leader in Iraq, he reportedly requested that "Muslims should embrace the Christian minority in Iraq," CNN reported.