Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has announced that 6 March will become a ‘National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence’ in Iraq. The announcement came after the historic encounter in Najaf between Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani and Pope Francis and the interreligious meeting in the ancient city of Ur later that day.
Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot has been present with Pope Francis for all the events of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq.
The president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has expressed his joy over the events so far – especially in accompanying Pope Francis for his courtesy visit to the Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani on Saturday.
In a brief interview with Vatican News, the Cardinal said Pope Francis was able “to discover the great hospitality” offered by Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani during the historic visit to his private home on Saturday.
During the encounter, they were able to share perspectives and draw attention to the importance of friendship, mutual respect and dialogue, so that all people, no matter their ethnic, cultural or religious tradition, may live together in brotherhood and peace.
Source: Vatican News.
