From the rubble of Mosul to that in Ukraine the Pope’s voice of peace and hope

As Pope Francis enters the tenth year of his pontificate, we recall the words he uttered one year ago in Iraq which appear dramatically relevant today. Pope Francis is beginning the tenth year of his pontificate. The anniversary is dramatically marked by the horror of war in the heart of Europe. It is striking to listen back to some of the words spoken by the Pope a year ago, during the most important and courageous apostolic journey of his pontificate: the one to Iraq. This was a visit he strongly desired, despite the risks and the many concerns raised due to the enormous difficulty in guaranteeing security, especially to those participating in the celebrations and meetings. In March 2021, Pope Francis undertook that pilgrimage, one of Saint John Paul ii ’s never realized dreams, to show his closeness to all the victims of ...