President Biden congratulates Iraq after ‘historic’ visit by Pope Francis

US President Joe Biden congratulated the Iraqi government and its people on Monday after the “historic” visit by Pope Francis to the country. He described the three-day visit by Pope Francis as “a historic and welcome first for the country”. Iraq is a country "steeped in religious and ethnic diversity . home to one of the oldest and most diverse Christian communities in the world”, the president said. Mr Biden emphasised the message of religious coexistence and powerful juxtaposition in stops that the Pope visited that were once under ISIS control. “To see Pope Francis visit ancient religious sites, including the biblical birthplace of Abraham, spend time with Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani in Najaf, and offer prayers in Mosul – a city that only a few years ago endured the depravity and intolerance of a group like ISIS – is a symbol of hope for the entire world,” he said. “I congratulate the government and people of Iraq for the care and planning that went into organising this monumental visit.” Mr Biden, the second Catholic president in US history, is known to practice his faith. His first call to an Arab leader went to Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi last month. The Pontiff departed Iraq on Monday after four days in which he toured the country spreading a message of hope and unity.