(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 5 - Pope Francis told President Sergio Mattarella that he was travelling as a "pilgrim of peace" in a a telegram to the Italian head of State after taking off for a four-day visit to Iraq on Friday.
The Argentine pontiff wanted to make the historic visit to the Middle Eastern country, ravaged by years of conflict, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Security will be extremely tight for Francis's 33rd apostolic trip. (ANSA).
'Pilgrim of peace' Pope Francis flies to Baghdad
Tight security for four-day visit to Iraq