Pope Francis in First-Ever Papal Visit to Iraq

Pope Francis left Rome today, Friday, heading to Iraq in the first-ever papal visit to the country.

Iraq in general, and Baghdad Airport in particular, are witnessing intensified security preparations ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church.

The 84-year-old Pope will visit four cities, including Mosul, which was a stronghold of ISIS terrorist elements as its churches and buildings still suffer the effects of the conflict.

The Pope will also visit Ur, the birthplace of the Prophet Ibrahim, and will meet with the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, 90, the spiritual leader  of the Shiites of Iraq.