Religion as a Catalyst for Tolerance in Iraq
Grace Initiative Global
From 5–8 March 2021, Pope Francis embarked on an historical trip to the Republic of Iraq, marking the first ever Papal visit to the land[1] once called Mesopotamia and the cradle of three Abrahamic faiths. The purpose of the visit was manifold, for healing Iraqi Christians, who faced persecution from violent religious extremists, as well for comforting all religious minorities, including Yazidis, who suffered terribly at the hands of extremists.[2] To this end, he forged hope for inter-faith bonds and prospects for religious and ethnic pluralism.
During his visit, the Pope met for the first time the Grand Ayatollah Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, perhaps the most respected Shiite cleric in the world, who joined him in condemning religious extremism. This particular proclamation exemplified an action that no governmental or even intergovernmental official could replicate. In this regard, the Pope’s pilgrimage to this ancient land demonstrated the potential for theological common ground for humanity, promoting a life of peace and dignity. In this sense, his visit was not just about the problems afflicting Christians, but also about the challenges facing all Iraqis, such as furthering human rights, opportunity and prosperity.[3]
Since 2003, extremists exploited religion using it as a tool for destruction, devastation and violence. In complete contrast, the Papal visit created a momentum for religious leaders to influence a moral order, in which a religious heart is indeed a catalyst for tolerance and human dignity.[4]
In view of these expectations, the author travelled to Iraq following the Pope’s visit and met with a prominent religious leader and civil society to discern how religions can indeed forge inclusive peace, while remaining outside the political sphere. Grace Initiative Global hopes to explores the possibilities for religion, not as a medium for violence, but rather for tolerance and pluralism,[5] supporting an inclusive and democratic Iraq.
Yvonne Lodico, JD, LL.M. MIA, MAR
[1] “Pope Francis’ programme for Apostolic Visit to Iraq announced” (8 February 2021) Vatican News. Accessed at https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-02/pope-francis-programme-for-apostolic-visit-to-iraq-announced.html.
[2] France 24. “Pope Francis preaches tolerance on visit to Ur in Iraq” (6 March 2021). Accessed at https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210306-pope-francis-preaches-tolerance-on-visit-to-ur-in-iraq.
[3] Opinion. “The Significance of Pope Francis meeting Ayatollah Sistani,” The Seattle Times (12 March 2021). Accessed at https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/the-significance-of-pope-francis-meeting-ayatollah-sistani/.
[4] Jason Horowitz, Jane Arraf and Marc Santora. “Pope Francis Calls for Interfaith Unity in Historic Visit to Iraq,” The New York Times, (7 March 2021). Accessed at https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/06/world/pope-francis-iraq-visit
[5] Amyn B. Sajoo. Muslim Ethic: Emerging Vistas (London: I.B. Tauris Publishers, 2009), 40.
