06 April, 2026

Follow us on

Program of Apostolic Journey of Holy Father to Republic of Iraq

March 5-8, 2021

Program of Apostolic Journey of Holy Father to Republic of Iraq

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 Office8 February 2021

Exaudi Staff

What is Exaudi News? Exaudi News is an international Catholic media outlet that informs, shapes, and transforms daily in Spanish, English, and Italian. Through news, analytical articles, and live broadcasts of the Pope's events, Exaudi seeks to strengthen Christian unity and contribute to the evangelization of the world, always guided by the Church's social doctrine. We work to bring Christian truth and values ​​to every corner of the planet. Help us transform the world with Exaudi! At Exaudi, we believe that evangelization and quality information can change lives. To continue our mission and expand our reach, we need your help. In addition, we are looking for committed people to join our team. With your support, we will reach more people, spread the message of Christ, and strengthen Christian unity. Will you join our mission? For more information on how to collaborate, visit Exaudi.org or contact us directly: [email protected] Exaudi: Informs, educates, and transforms.