Pope Francis met with top Shia jurisprudent Ayatollah Seyyed Ali al-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf on the first day of his historical visit to Iraq.

Leader of the Catholic Church made the visit on Saturday morning the first day of his three day visit to the Arab country, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
 
Having arrived in Iraq on Friday March 5^th, Pope Francis was welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister making the first foreign visit in 15 months since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
 
The Pontiff has scheduled to meet with a number of authorities and will pray in Hosh al-Bieaa for the comfort of the souls of war victims.
 
He will also visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh where he will recite the Angelus with believers before celebrating the Holy Mass at Franso Hariri stadium and also the ancient city of Ur, the birthplace of the biblical patriarch Abraham.