Pope Francis has expressed desire to visit Iraq next year, in what would become the first ever papal visit to the country.
He made the comment on Monday June 10th, while addressing members of a group of charities which help Christians in the Middle East and other areas.
“A constant thought accompanies me when I think of Iraq. Where I have the will to go next year,” he said.
The supreme pontiff also said he hoped the country would not give in to “tensions fanned by conflicts between regional powers.”
The Pope had earlier wanted to visit Iraq, but his plans failed due to persistent security instability.
