Pope Francis arrives in Iraq amid concerns trip could 'be a superspreader event'

Pope Francis
(Image credit: VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Pope Francis has arrived in Iraq as part of a historic trip, one that's been raising concerns over whether it could be a "superspreader event" amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pope's plane on Friday landed at Baghdad's airport, and he was greeted by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, The Associated Press reports. On the three-day trip, Francis aims to "urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution," the AP writes. It's a historic trip, as this is the first time a pope has ever visited Iraq.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.