Nineveh Province has started its preparation’s for Pope Francis’ March trip.
Najim al-Jibouri, governor of Nineveh, visited the town of Qaraqush, Baghdida, on Wednesday and met local officials to determine preparations for reception of Pope Francis on March 7th.
Mayor of al-Hamdaniya Issam Bahnam said the governor's visit is for the preparation of the town for the upcoming visit of Pope Francis early next month. A committee of key administrative, including municipality and Christian clergies, has been tasked to prepare all requirements for a proper welcome highlights reputation of Nineveh in general and al-Hamdaniyah in particular, he added.
Al-Hamdaniyah district, located north-east of Mosul, is home for mainly Assyrians, and Arabs, and Turkemns ethnicities, Shabak and Kaka’i religious minorities.
On March 7th, Pope Francis will fly to Mosul. While there, he will recite a prayer of sufferage for the victims of war at Hosh al-Bieaa (Church Square). In the afternoon, Pope will visit the Qaraqosh community at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Raghid Ninwaya, an artist from Qaraqosh, has designed a logo for Pope’s visit to Qaraqosh (Baghdeda) on March 7th.
On March 5th, Pope will meet with Bishops and Priests in Baghdad according to a statement by the Vatican. Next day he will fly to Najaf to meet the Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husaymi Al-Sistani in Najaf. Pope will celebrate Holy Mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Baghdad the same day.
Young people of Qaraqosh said in a statement they are making predations for the ceremony of welcoming Pope in their home town in March. Raghid Ninwaya, an artist from Qaraqosh, has designed a logo for Pope’s visit to Qaraqosh.
The Chaldean church in Iraq confirmed Pope’s trip schedule. Pope Francis will fly from Baghdad to southern province of Nassiriya for an interreligious meeting at the Plain of Ur in the second day of the trip. On his return to Baghdad in the afternoon, the Pope will celebrate Holy Mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Baghdad.
The Christian community in Iraq are pleased with the upcoming visit of Pope as the country is passing facing a critical political and economic crisis.
In the towns of Nineveh plains, local communities are hanging flyers and posters in welcome of Pope Francis.
