23K views · 285 reactions | Pope Francis on Iraq visit calls for an end to violence and extremism The pontiff is making his first international trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Covid and security fears have made this his riskiest visit yet, but the 84-year-old insisted he was "duty-bound". He also said Iraq's dwindling Christian community should have a more prominent role as citizens with full rights, freedoms and responsibilities. | Khaleej Times | Facebook