At the end of the Mass in Erbil, Pope Francis praised the generosity and heroic testimony of the Iraqis, while thanking everyone who made his visit possible.
Vatican News staff writer
Pope Francis sincerely thanked the local church leaders in Erbil; to Mar Gewargis III, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church in the East; Christians of different denominations; Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda; and all the bishops, the government and civil authorities, and the many volunteers for their great welcome and help.
His Greetings at the end of the Mass celebrated in the Erbil on Sunday evening.
He warmly greeted the ‘beloved Kurdish people’ and paid tribute to all Christians of different traditions, many of whom shed their blood here. “Yet our martyrs shine like stars in the same sky!” the pope said; and “from there they call us to walk together without hesitation to the fullness of unity.”
While sharing many testimonies of grief and loss, the pope also noted the stories of ‘hope and kinship’, especially thanks to the ‘tireless charitable outreach’ of religious institutions of every faith that aids in reconstruction and social rebirth. The pope thanked the ROACO umbrella organization, which represents Catholic aid agencies, for special thanks.
“Iraq will always remain with me in my heart,” the pope said, urging everyone to “work together in unity for a future of peace and prosperity that leaves no one behind and no one discriminates against.” He assured them of his prayers and called on all people of good will to “work together to forge bonds of brotherhood and solidarity in the service of the common good and peace … May God bless you all!” May God bless Iraq! ”