First Papal Visit To Iraq Led By Pope Francis Will Still Go Ahead Despite Covid And Terrorism Fears

Daily Mail: The Pope says he will still travel to Iraq on Friday despite rocket attack on military base hosting US troops and asks people to pray for him

* Pope Francis is due to arrive in Baghdad on Friday for a three-day visit to Iraq

* 84-year-old insisted trip is still going ahead despite attack on US forces today

* Francis asked people to pray for him so trip takes place 'in the best possible way'

* He will be the first pope to visit Iraq after John Paul II called off a visit in 1999

Pope Francis has insisted that his historic trip to Iraq which is due to take place this week will go ahead despite an attack on US forces in the country today.

The 84-year-old pontiff said he cannot disappoint people 'who have suffered so much' by calling off the visit, the first ever by a pope to Iraq, at the last minute.

Instead, he asked people to pray for him and the journey 'so that it may take place in the best possible way and bear the hoped-for fruits'.

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WNU editor: The Pope appears to be very determined to go to Iraq. Even with all of the security and pandemic fears.

More News On Pope's Francis' trip to Iraq this Friday.

Pope says he must go to Iraq because people cannot be let down -- Reuters

First papal visit to Iraq to go ahead despite Covid and terrorism fears -- The Guardian

Pope Francis' planned Iraq trip sparks security, health fears -- FOX News

In Iraq, Pope reaches out to top Shiite cleric -- France 24

Intense preparations before pontiff meets Iraqi ayatollah -- AP

Iraq: Christians await Pope Francis's visit -- Middle East Eye