Francis on Iraq and the coronavirus. The Pope’s sincere confessions

Pope Francis admitted that he thought about the risk of his high-profile pilgrimage to Iraq. In an interview with journalists on board the plane, he honestly said that he did not feel fear of Iraq, but only of the coronavirus. He decided to leave after a long prayer. The Pope experienced up-close the havoc caused by the pandemic in Italy a year ago. The Holy Father added here that he lacks meetings with people during general audiences, but he understands the restrictions and follows the guidelines of the authorities. The trip to Iraq alone was physically a heavy burden for the 84-year-old Pope, who is clearly limping. Francis admitted that he might have to slow down on his next journeys. The first papal pilgrimage to Iraq lasted four days. Commentators say this is probably the most important and difficult of Francis’ 33 journeys so far.

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