Pope Francis concludes historic visit to Iraq

Pope Francis left Iraqi capital Baghdad on Monday, after four-day historic visit.

Iraqi President Barham Salih was keen to bid farewell to Francis at Baghdad international airport.

"I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the women, especially the women of Iraq, courageous women who continue to give life, in spite of wrongs and hurts. May women be respected and protected! May they be shown respect and provided with opportunities!," he tweeted before his departure. 

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During his 4 days in Iraq, the pontiff visited Najaf, Ur, Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh.

On Saturday, Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church held a historic meeting with leading Shia figure Ayatollah Al Sistani as part of the Pope’s visit to Iraq.

The 90 years old grand Sheikh hosted the Pope at his home in the city of Najaf, the historical Catholic-Shia summit lasted for 45 minutes.

Both exchanged views about tolerance, acceptance, and collaboration between different religious communities.

The Pope started his first-ever papal visit to the country on Friday. Baghdad Airport witnessed intensified security preparations ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church.