Program of Apostolic Journey of Holy Father to Republic of Iraq
March 5-8, 2021
Here is the Vatican-provided program for Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to Iraq, scheduled for March 5-8, 2021.
Friday, 5 March 2021
ROME – BAGHDAD
| Morning | |
| Departure by plane from Rome/Fiumicino International Airport for Baghdad | |
| Afternoon | |
| Arrival at Baghdad International Airport | |
| Official welcome at Baghdad International Airport | |
| Meeting with the Prime Minister in the VIP Hall of Baghdad International Airport | |
| Official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad | |
| Courtesy visit to the President of the Republic in the private office of the Presidential Palace in Baghdad | |
| Meeting with Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps in the hall of the Presidential Palace in Baghdad | |
| Meeting with Bishops, Priests, Religious, Consecrated Persons, Seminarians, Catechists at the Syro-Catholic Cathedral of “Our Lady of Salvation” in Baghdad |
Saturday, 6 March 2021
BAGHDAD – NAJAF – UR – BAGDHAD
| Morning | |
| Departure by plane for Najaf | |
| Arrival at Najaf Airport | |
| Courtesy visit to Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani in Najaf | |
| Departure by plane for Nassiriya | |
| Arrival at Nassiriya Airport | |
| Interreligious meeting at the Plain of Ur | |
| Departure by plane for Baghdad | |
| Arrival at Baghdad International Airport | |
| Afternoon | |
| Holy Mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of “Saint Joseph” in Baghdad |
Sunday, 7 March 2021
BAGHDAD – ERBIL – MOSUL – QARAQOSH – ERBIL – BAGHDAD
| Morning | |
| Departure by plane for Erbil | |
| Arrival at Erbil Airport | |
| Welcome by the President of the Autonomous Region of Iraqi Kurdistan and the Religious and Civil Authorities at the Erbil Airport | |
| Meeting the President and the Prime Minister of the Autonomous Region at the Presidential VIP Lounge of Erbil Airport | |
| Departure by helicopter for Mosul | |
| Arrival at the landing area in Mosul | |
| Prayer of Suffrage for the Victims of the War at Hosh al-Bieaa (Church square) in Mosul | |
| Departure by helicopter for Qaraqosh | |
| Arrival at the landing area in Qaraqosh | |
| Visit to the Qaraqosh Community at the Church of “Immaculate Conception” in Qaraqosh | |
| Transfer to Erbil | |
| Afternoon | |
| Holy Mass at the “Franso Hariri” Stadium in Erbil | |
| Departure by plane for Baghdad | |
| Arrival at Baghdad International Airport |
Monday, 8 March 2021
BAGHDAD – ROME
| Morning | |
| Farewell ceremony at Baghdad International Airport | |
| Departure by plane for Rome | |
| Arrival at Rome/Ciampino International Airporto |
| Time zones | |
| Rome | +1h UTC |
| Baghdad | +3h UTC |
| Najaf | +3h UTC |
| Nassiriya | +3h UTC |
| Erbil | +3h UTC |
| Mosul | +3h UTC |
| Qaraqosh | +3h UTC |
Bulletin of the Holy See Press Office, 8 February 2021
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