Pope Francis is holding a symbolic meeting with one of the most powerful figures in Shia Islam on the second day of his historic trip to Iraq. The Pope's meeting with Ayatollah Grandin Ali al-Sistani, the spiritual leader of millions of Shiite Muslims, took place in the holy city of Najaf. This is the Pope's first international trip since the beginning of the pandemic and the first time a Pope has visited Iraq. Covid-19 and fear of safety have made this trip more dangerous. The 84-year-old leader of the Catholic Church previously told reporters he felt "compelled" to make the trip. The Pope today will travel to the ancient city of Ur. About 10,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel have been deployed to protect the Pope during his visit./LF-dritare.net
