when it comes to christians in the middle east and in muslim majority countries is for christians to be recognized as citizens not just to be protected or to be have their security looked after but to be full citizens because as we know christians in iraq have been there from the very beginning the christians in iraq also mentioned in the bible and in the acts of the apostles that the christians of mesopotamia witnessed the 1st pentecost so. there is from the vatican in the churches point of view a push to have muslim countries recognize that christians are citizens and that they can be part of the coexistence the healthy pluralism of of a country and of course it works both ways and when pope francis signed a very important document on human fraternity in 2019 in abu dabi. that document contains a paragraph saying that the that both minorities in the east and the west with a muslim or christian must be recognized as citizens and so it works both ways and the vatican is pushing for the jurisprudence within islam to recognize minorities as citizens and that's something that can. we dr

preventing christians from returning to that town so whether or not christians in iraq feel that they can actually have a tangible political change as a result of this visit it will really depend on the tapes of billet to try to the 3rd rule of law to try to really strengthen its have to sion is that is something that of course is way beyond the pope's ability this is something that will need years and decades of state building nevertheless the pope is certainly in religious terms is going to be meeting with believe there's an into religious meeting. of the engine size which is shared i believe for saturday but he is going to be meeting a wide variety of religious leaders within iraq and that is significant as well isn't it because iraq is a country where several religious. religious followings are represented but not only in the street but also of course in parliament as well and politically . that is correct and perhaps the most significant personality he will be meeting is grand ayatollah sistani who is basically the religious. muslims here in iraq he will be meeting him tomorrow.

the christianity also to tell people who are also well that the christianity here it wouldn't it has this this roots and it should be continued to be to be here but of course really we need the pope as. the. dialogue between the religious some discounts faith supported by the know it supported by the. equality all these things it would help the christianity in this this 'd fancy it's going to go off. course there's a lot of media has showed that this is a beauty off the bow wave coming up where the pope when he said i think i reported it was a very very beautiful image if i can see how it turns then those also all that's when is this this hard money between all the snakes in this country. includes of course the christians for the record all the people of this country and the things of this country we will see the beauty of this country and we hope this visit not just to be. this change of mentality not just to the main entire party so i'm very beautiful image but we want this image whole hog many also. go around all the country all the mentality of the people. to be deceived and this

when it comes to christians in the middle east and in muslim majority countries is for christians to be recognized as citizens not just to be protected or to be have their security looked after but to be full citizens because as we know christians in iraq have been there from the very beginning the christians in iraq also mentioned in the bible and in the acts of the apostles that the christians of mesopotamia witnessed the 1st pentecost so. there is from the vatican in the churches point of view a push to have muslim countries recognize that christians are citizens and that they can be part of the coexistence the healthy pluralism of a country and of course it works both ways and when pope francis signed a very important document on human fraternity in 2019 in abu dabi. that document contains a paragraph saying that the that both minorities in the east and the west with a muslim or christian must be recognized as citizens and so it works both ways and the vatican is pushing for. the jurisprudence within islam to recognize minorities as citizens and that's something that can. we draw

and he says this is a historic moment for christians in iraq. that almost 2000 year later the pope about to come visit us here in such a difficult situation and iraqis suffering from very different issues and they make and economical and everything and even the conflicts in the region in america iran and many many other issues so we are very happy and welcoming his holiness we hope that he is for sure he is bringing the. message of peace and love and forgiveness juices message and his visit will have many many positive effect on iraqi society and in the region and globally as well because. as as you know they. reflect and effect of the eyes is. crimes against humanity against people here reflects very negatively on the islamic image in europe and america and everywhere so his visit to our religious leaders in iraq gives very very good positive for the. bring down a bit before we are new europe and america and western. society well i also spoke to martin read he's a senior vice president at the safe and great that's a new york based strategic sec

christians in 2003, less than 200,000 christians now. the people were killed, over 1200 people were killed, not to mention about the ransom. most in 2003, 5000 christian families, today only 60 families. it is really very hard, very hard years for as christians. in the context of the pope's visit, do you think that that is going to, any sense, help boost the christian movement in iraq? at any sense, help boost the christian movement in iraq?— movement in iraq? at least it reminded _ movement in iraq? at least it reminded the _ movement in iraq? at least it reminded the old _ movement in iraq? at least it reminded the old iraqis - movement in iraq? at least it reminded the old iraqis about movement in iraq? at least it - reminded the old iraqis about the history of christianity, the contribution of this component also to the history and building the nation. and raising awareness about the christian presence, raising awareness about the difficulties, and hopefully this will encourage the government to take serious steps towards protectin

community it cost him his left ear drum $4.00 to $6.00 other christians their lives . that i thought it was the last seconds in this life they were very difficult moments you take the shot towards the room where we were in one hand grenade exploded that's when i was injured some of the projectiles the stone my head in my chest lewis and his son the were among more than 100 worshippers trapped inside the lady of salvation church in baghdad as gunmen laid siege to the building. claimed responsibility for the attack one of many carried out against iraq's christian minority after the 2003 u.s. led invasion lewis is one of the few survivors of the church attack who stayed on in iraq and. i don't want to leave this is my home. but preserving iraq's dwindling christian population can feel like a lost cause let me. there's no hope left for the christians and other minorities to reassure them all the political parties and politicians don't care about the citizens interests they just care about their own interests they denominations interests and regional interests. this is the

so iraq and don't be christians in iraq since the very early days of christianity so to century a.d. on once particular northern iraq but also goes all the way through iraq at the very churches in every major city. and unfortunately what it was were 2003 it was really does olds there were no nor be happy or 16 lee oppressive for all iraqis that until 2008 it left them with nothing so that enable extremists factions to stop persecuting bombing churches kidnapping. christians and just trying to try to mask the country and then that so that was beginning even before i said arrived in iraq in 2050 but that actually in the north you know in and around mosul where there is or nearly 2 millenia of those in a very strong christian community that has really driven out many many people not just christians. but also i mean i saw churches and most of us places of torture and execution completely desecrated. and christians have been very reluctant posts i still took to resettle because understandably they're incredibly know. about those as simone are saying and so. it's awesome that so many was a

the christianity also to tell people who are also well that the christianity here it is how does this this road it should be continue to be to be here but of course really we need the pope i said the. dialogue between the religious some discounts faith supported by the know it supported by the. equality of all this they say it would help the christianity in this this 'd fancy it's going to go off. course there's a lot of media has showed that this is a beauty of the waves coming up when the pope when he is that i mean by and for this was a very very beautiful image i can see has turned then to those although all that's when is this this hard money between all the snakes in this country. includes of course the christians of the record all the people of this country on the things of this country we will see the beauty of this country and we hope this visit not just to be. this change of mentality not just to the main entire party so i was very beautiful in manger but we want this image of i have many and also i. go around all the country all the mentality of the people. to be deceived a

christians in general are from middle class and so do. the christians are in a very well respected part of the society. certainly the christians have big questions towards. majorities. and. the majority the sunni majority sunni sunni bigger minority and majority of. the day be able. to work for the bill for a constructive for dialogue or not and are you hoping that pope francis is going to make that dialogue happen i think he will be he is very much. 'd working on this it is one of the reasons of his. struggle it's not the only one it is also a spirit to one but he is very much. he wants to start the dialogue. or not to start to promote a dialogue player in in iraq. funding and that's all in selling my iraq thank you very much for speaking to tell you today. a year ago much of china was shut down to help contain the corona virus with a pandemic largely under control in this huge country its leaders now want to get the economy back on track around 3000 delegates are taking part in china's biggest political event the addy on national people

the need to dress for the christian seriously is necessary i will help. journalists over in the whole the way there thank you so much. to me and nor now where protesters are out on the streets again to continue their demonstrations against last month's military coup tens of thousands are marching with the largest protests in the city and then tonight there are protests to in the largest city young gone its followers police raids targeting opposition leaders witnesses described hearing shots during those raids a number of people were arrested. journalist 8 min joins me now from yang a what's the situation where you are now so where i mean you can go what we've been seeing is that police have started to break up protests early in the day today and we're having reports that people have been getting beaten as they're out protesting and in book and mandalay there's also been reports of police have begun firing rounds at least in baghdad and they have began to use live rounds. so it's an aggressive standoff we've heard reports of police raids over night what ca

the one who built the manor it was christian and the one who rebuilt the story was christian we lived all as one and we wish that our relations return to what they were now christians and muslims once again to work side by side to restore what has been lost so that one day the sound of church bells can once again ring out alongside the call to prayer simona fulton al-jazeera in mosul city. u.s. president joe biden has achieved his 1st major legislative victory but the senate passing a $1.00 trillion dollar coronavirus relief bill by the narrowest of margins biden's campaign promise will provide one off payments with 1400 dollars to most americans the bill now heads back to the democratic controlled house for approval more details of mike hanna bill as amended is just. finally passed in the process and obote. it was the longest senate vote in recent memory approval coming more than 20 hours after the role of members was called this bill will deliver more help to more people than anything the federal government has done in decades we could all work together. but our democratic colleague

the one who built the manor it was christian and the one who rebuilt the story was christian we lived all as one in it and we wish that our relations return to what they were now christians and muslims once again to work side by side to restore what has been lost so that one day the sound of church bells can once again ring out alongside the call to prayer simona fulton al-jazeera in muscles city. a member of parliament in myanmar in state says the latest casualty in the military crackdown khin maung let's was arrested overnight and his cause of death is still unknown now that's come as police continue using tear gas to try to disperse and secure protestors across myanmar who turns out in their thousands despite the escalation in violence. the. protesters are defying the military to call for a return to democracy for the nice upgrades for security forces stormed houses and grinds its people are been clearing journalists and politicians with days of life far tear gas stun grenades and at least 60 civilian deaths a failed to stop the daily demonstrations let's cross live now to tony cha

stone by stone christian heritage is being restored but will it be enough to make the city's christians come back this complex of 4 churches was partly destroyed during the war riff i saw 4 years ago now unesco workers are collecting the fragments which will be used to rebuild what's left of the assyrian catholic church the nave of the church. to a line of. long. it's the goal is to restore it to its original design. a message to people to come we rebuild it again so they can be there with their prayers and muslims as well i saw used our church as a court and the adjacent armenian church as a prison the graffiti on this wall reads and transfer a bit and on the orders of the islamic state it's a chilling reminder of isis for which sought to wipe out morsels religious diversity the rehabilitation of the structures and just aim to restore the city's heritage it's also part of an effort to nurture reconciliation between the sunni muslim majority and the christian minority before i still took control of the city in 2014 around 1000 christian families lived in mosul only a few dozen have retu

also a call for tolerance in iraq pope francis honors victims of one of the worst attacks on christians as he becomes the 1st pontiff to visit the country also people are coming to her and. the u.s. president urges congress to pass his trillion dollar covert 900 relief bill calling it a lifeline to beat the pandemic and help millions left jobless. but into the program supporters of senegal's opposition leader have been killed in protests 4 have now died in 3 days of demonstrations against the sama zongo being kept in custody there is nicholas haq has been in the thick of the protests in the capital dhaka. a march the government tried to ban protesters chant this is our society be brave and strong protect our senegal not just a message to the security forces but for a government the queues of stifling dissent thousands indycar in other cities have been demonstrating after police detained opposition leader who spun song go accusing him of both rape and public disturbance to bin laden. the young people have toyed of the way we're being governed we need to free him some coas everything to u

iraq is home to some of the earliest christian settlements the christian community here is diverse like few others in the world roman catholics live side by side with how the end catholics protestants armenian orthodox christians and others. then politicize. an emotional day we are sending a message to the pope and the world that we are here kid and that we the christians are remaining on our land our roots are here it is impossible to leave the homeland that embraced us yes if that was that much knowledge of how to use so. there were as many as 1400000 christians in the country at the start of the iraq war in 2003 sectarian conflict drove most of them away in 2014 the so-called islamic state began targeting christians driving hundreds of thousands more from their homes the pope's visit is a sign of victory over this tide of violence he is set to visit mosul a former stronghold of the islamic state which was recaptured in 2017 by government forces and the head of the catholic church plans to meet with iraq's top shia muslim cleric grand ayatollah ali al sistani who has never met with th

in the east the christians in iran. the people of this line and they stood. firm in support of their older brothers and their participation has been great and important and they were working through their gether with the other members of the society to have worked we have from different types of good luck traditions and values. in the sufferings of the christians which are must come to on their end. and that. other religious and always social components that have to be involved so was lost to face the stuff time actually of the big divided we need to live together we could not see the east with i would listen no such says cut will be achieved and with that displaced people coming back to the law into their homes this necessitates hard work to bring peace and good economy to the region to create and vironment that the displaced and the emigrants and on top of whom comes the christians and the izzy designer the others. we have as well to stress that the situation now under covered. this is it takes. work hard work that it

, and once they looked like christians, they looked like christians, they would be persecuted. the po -e they would be persecuted. the pepe wants — they would be persecuted. the pope wants to _ they would be persecuted. the pope wants to encourage dialogue between christianity and other faiths in dialogue between christianity and otherfaiths in iraq. how realistic, though, is that ambition?— ambition? really, it's very i realistic after the pandemic. after the whole world realised that we have to move quickly because nothing is stable and this is the land of abraham, he is the father of all the nations, it is the father of all religions in this part of the world. why are we fighting? and he came to say this is the right time. coming at this time, hoping that the hearts would be open to receive the representative of heaven, the representative of heaven, the representative of heaven, the representative of christianity thatis representative of christianity that is full of hope and full of always faith and we can get together and build a highway of reconciliation and the highwa

the one who built the manor it was christian and the one who'd rebuilt the story was christian we lived all as one and we wish that our relations return to what they were now christians and muslims once again to work side by side to restore what has been lost so that one day the sound of church bells can once again ring out alongside the call to prayer simona fulton al jazeera in muscles. saudi arabia says it has destroyed a missile fired from yemen reports say an explosion was heard over and iran go all facility near the city of jeddah saudi arabia says it syria defenses also intercepted an attack headed towards the city of homs it is the 2nd time the kingdom's all facilities have been targeted in less than a week. woman catholic worshippers in sri lanka are demanding justice for the victims of the 2019 used to sunday bombings they're wearing black to church on the religious leaders have declared black sunday catholic churches criticizing a government report for not revealing who was behind the bombings more than 260 people died in the coordinated attacks. has more from. the catholic c

practice in iraq of course what they see is mostly just because christians. what that means is that the pool coming to the area is not really just sort of something that will be sort of the standing of got the legs in the region or in the country but it will actually go beyond that and i think that it can directly it's seen as presenting the case for the christian community as a whole i think that for this vatican the question of him to really just relations especially with the muslim world has been very very important. and i think that in the conditions in which a christian community finds itself these gains over you see the new new relevance to the religious affairs analyst martin got that thank you martin. and to me now where police have opened fire on protesters and mandalay again local media are reporting that one person has been killed in young gone police appeared to use tear gas to disperse groups of unsecured demonstrations protests have intensified in several cities after 38 people were killed on wednesday the united states has tightened exports con

northern iraq where many people are living christian people and also as the people. they have still started to today so we are talking about $2800.00 women and women who are in the hands of isis and they don't want to be connected with what happened to them and they want hope they want justice and they want the wood to know what exactly happened to them and i think this could be a big sign the 1st time that the pope is traveling to iraq and shows. like you said before and solidarity. and also maybe more hope for the population who's still there and in need are people going to be. people in their minds and in their hearts really going to be open to the spiritual message the pope francis brings with him i think when you don't have any other options you have to so for example we have a woman empowerment center in iraq and the 1st time when we started to create a center we said it must be multi-ethnic and multi-religious because of the fact of the consolation but that was very challenging but i think to come together means to speak together and discuss and of hope is str

a 1000000 iraqi christians remain in the country. the pilgrim of peace as pope francis calls himself is aware of the risks he's taking amid an ongoing pandemic and regional conflict we assume this is an emblematic trip and it is my duty to a martyred land here with. this one. but he's not traveling alone he's protected by one of the largest security deployments in recent iraqi history $10000.00 personnel by some estimates including special forces 24 hour drone surveillance and undercover intelligence officers it's the 1st visit by a pope to iraq coming just days after a rocket attack that seemed to put the trip in doubt his 1st remarks in baghdad acknowledge the difficult days most iraqis have had to endure without a military escort. of course. over the past several decades iraq has suffered the disastrous effects of wars the scourge of terrorism and sectarian conflicts often grounded in a fundamentalism or incapable of accepting the peaceful coexistence different ethnic and religious groups you know the name of god cannot be used to

iraq is home to some of the earliest christian settlements the christian community here is diverse like few others in the world roman catholics live side by side with how the end catholics protestants armenian orthodox christians and others. then politicize. the mujahideen we are sending a message to the pope and the world that we are here to know more we the christians are remaining on our land our roots are here it is impossible to leave the homeland that embraced us yes if that if enough knowledgeable heart yes. there were as many as 1400000 christians in the country at the start of the iraq war in 2003 sectarian conflict drove most of them away in 2014 the so-called islamic state began targeting christians driving hundreds of thousands more from their homes the pope's visit is a sign of victory over this tide of violence he is set to visit mosul a former stronghold of the islamic state which was recaptured in 2017 by government forces and the head of the catholic church plans to meet with iraq's top shia muslim cleric grand ayatollah ali al sistani who has never met with the pope a

the one who built the better it was christian and the one who rebuilt the story was christian we lived and we wish that our relations returned to what they were now christians and muslims once again to work side by side to restore what has been lost so that one day the sound of church bells can once again ring out alongside the call to prayer simona fulton al jazeera in mosul schools city. hall we are listening at the moment to the head of the roman catholic church pope francis there addressing his faithful at the church of the immaculate conception in the city of curry cost well we also have our correspondent tamara fulton who's been following this visit from start to now today she's in erbil for us simona we've been really seeing some very powerful images from the visit today. and especially today in mosul this is a city that has seen so much that has been through so much in recent years it's been 3 years since a morsel was officially freed from eyes full but as you can see in those images much of the old city especially still lies in ruins and to see the hope arrive there to walk th

belong to minorities like the christians. this is also very special because we're still talking about the fact that they don't have the same rights we're talking about an ongoing genocide we are talking about the feel. instead of what is happening in the future so we are we are talking about sri 40000000 christians who are in the sweat and worldwide and in the places i think in the 11 side. and i think this is it could be something to make clear this is the country of muslims christians and all religious minorities and therefore i think it's more than the. the majority muslim population and in iraq has looked on and seen terrible things happening to the minority christian population shocking shocking things i don't need to quote older figures we're all familiar with the figures. was why is that a sense that the muslim population is open to the message to the pope is bringing with him. i think the question could be are they open each other from both side for each of the other for the messages this is the most important questio

practice in iraq of course what they see as mostly just grist christians. what that means is that the pull coming to the area is not really just sort of something that will be sort of the standing of got the legs in the region or in the country but it will actually go beyond that and i think that it can be reckoned seen as presenting the case for the christian community as a whole i think that for this vatican the question of into really just relations specially with with the muslim world has been very very important. and i think that in the conditions in which a christian community finds itself these gains obviously new new relevance did of his religious affairs analyst martin got that thank you martin it will. one year ago much of china was shut down to help contain the spread of coronavirus now the country has the pandemic largely under control and it's taking steps to get its economy back on track around $3000.00 delegates are attending the biggest event on china's political calendar the national people's congress over the course of the next week they'l

much hope to the christian. when you see this really terry to yoko who will church in your hook at tell us a bit about the christian community in your city soleimani and there has been a lot of persecution of christians in iraq how is the situation in your community. is in this not exceptional because. parts from iraq the christians oh very well liked it but here. we have a long tradition to live to get there we. we have a community here so the money is not to know where he would city but we have from the beginning from the foundation of the city we have christians here we have to be could jewish quarter quarter and we have of course the muslim neighbors here and so the money of bus always very much known for its dial for the christians have been known for. for mediation between the different stripes here in the region the christian population and how iraq has fallen drastically over the past 2 decades there are reports of under 250000 left in the country do you see a future for the question communities there. i

, and once they looked like christians, they would be persecuted. the pope wants to encourage dialogue between christianity and otherfaiths in iraq. how realistic, though, is that ambition? really, it's very realistic after the pandemic. after the whole world realised that we have to move quickly because nothing is stable and this is the land of abraham, he is the father of all the nations, it is the father of all religions in this part of the world. why are we fighting? and he came to say this is the right time. coming at this time, hoping that the hearts would be open to receive the representative of heaven, the representative of christianity that is full of hope and full of always faith and we can get together and build a highway of reconciliation and the highway of restoration in the land of abraham. dr yvette isaac there. in myanmar, protests against the military coup are continuing despite the increasingly brutal crackdown by police and the military. meanwhile, the un's special envoy on myanmar has urged the security council to restore democra

community to remain close to them so as to encourage iraq's christians christians to say you saw earlier in my report that many christians have left iraq as a result of the recent violence and in fact one of the the main objectives of pope francis' visit here is to encourage the approximately 300000 christians who are still believed to be in the country to remain he did acknowledge the victims of the attack that happened here in 2010 he also acknowledged victims from other ethnic religious minorities such as for example and he did also appeal to the youth he said the young people are a sign of promise and hope and what he's really saying here is that the next generation of christians the young people that they need to remain in iraq we have seen obviously a huge exodus of christians and perhaps some of the older generations they're inclined to stay simply because they have spent most of their lives here they're keen to preserve the past but many of the young people they don't see a future in this country the moment they get a paternity to emigrate of broad so they can really practice and

belong to minorities like the christians. this is also very special because we are talking about the fact that they don't have the same rights we're talking about an ongoing genocide we're talking about the feel. instead of what is happening in the future so we are we are talking about 340000000 christians who are in the sweat and worldwide and in the places i think on the 11th side. minorities and i think this is it could be something to make clear this is the country of muslims christians and all religious minorities and therefore i think it's more than a symbol. the majority muslim population and in iraq has looked on and seen terrible things happening to the minority christian population shocking shocking things i don't need to quote older figures we're all familiar with the figures. why is there a sense that the muslim population is open to the message to the pope is bringing with him. i think the question could be are they open each other from both sides for each of the other for the messages this is the most important

reconciliation to the war torn country including to northern iraq where between 20142017 thousands of christians were killed under the rule of the islamic state fanatics these days there are still great concerns about the threat posed by terrorism and by covert 19 there and the catholic church itself is in turmoil in many parts of the world not least germany so on to the points we ask pope francis in iraq mission impossible. thanks very much indeed for joining us here on to the point where my guests in the studio are journalist and filmmaker dusun. who says iraq is one of many countries where christians are being persecuted which is why it's so important that pope francis is traveling to the region and also with us is the author and theologian alexander girl laughed who say the papal visit to iraq in times of corona is far from y. and a warm welcome suited baghdad born journalist i mean most are not we who say the pope's meeting with the ground ayatollah sistani will be a turning point in the christian muslim dayak interesting fascinating indeed thank you. all 3 for being here today and i mean i

christians have a known for mediation between different tribes here in the region. >> the christian population of iraq has fallen drastically over the past two decades. there are reports of under 250,000 left in the country. do see a future for the christian communities in the country? >> there is certainly a future. we have much to work on here in iraq. i think especially the christian community is a key community for the construction of peace, here interact -- here in iraq. i am looking especially to the young people living here today. there are so many young people and so much hope. we see that when we have here courses or conferences. [singing] so we have very much hope for them. >> what does the pontiff's visit made to christians, not only in your community but also the country as a whole? >> christians, in general, are from the middle class. and so christians are in a very well respected part of society. certainly, the christians have been questions toward the majorities. and the majority, the sunni, bigger minority and the majority of the shiia, will they be available for constructive d

well the iraq he christian population has| iraq he christian population has been dispersed across the world given the difficulties in suffering that the community had and the islamic state occupation. your parish very much was subject to extreme difficulties. you were here in london, you are in sense return, talk us through a little bit how you rebuild your parish. the talk us through a little bit how you rebuild your parish.— talk us through a little bit how you rebuild your parish. the chance when i was ordained _ rebuild your parish. the chance when i was ordained the _ rebuild your parish. the chance when i was ordained the biggest _ rebuild your parish. the chance when i was ordained the biggest church - rebuild your parish. the chance when i was ordained the biggest church in l i was ordained the biggest church in this area was destroyed, burned by isis. but since the people went back and they start first of all building the houses and then later we start restoring this charge. fortunately now this church looks like bright, welcoming and waiting for pope francis to enter, to b

many christians decide to baptize their children as infants. this signifies for them a permanent connection with the greater christian community. then as they proceed onward to confirmation as teenagers to become full members of the church. the confirmation service generally takes place in the presence of family friends and other members of the parish. we conduct the service in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit . jesus christ overcame. death and revealed life and eternal existence so now there are days reading for the 16th sunday after trinity is from some poems 2nd letter to timothy was the right choice . it's a v.m. and protest against death to the divine savior is mightier than death. that our faith encourages us to hold on to this trace and to trust in it it's how. in this letter between apostle paul and his disciple timothy paul exhorts the christian community to be faithful to the gospel today of course this xor taishan is addressed to the 2 young people being confirmed 2. how yes that's right the heart is more

moslems and the christians are peacemakers. and their work together there we work together. here i'm a program of peace. and. i have seen good things about this land. and it's important to have that scope of corporation this remind us of. we are here. to celebrate. and to show. believe. this is important to everyone. believe we give our identity and give support to people here in this part of the world sky will never get. every. every single need sun every single age daughter who will never stop looking at the sky. we would all be given the blessings of the sky. it's a trip it's a journey. when we look at the sky we will feel protected will feed supported. would be in carriage to to go on with our lives on these things have been. all over the years. his. knee he left. his sacred far east he left his tray he left his family. and he turned to be the father. believe others of all religions. believe that led him to leave the things that he. used to be with and to be in he left his leg and he left his family on we need to. live our lives and look forward for better future. for th

a 1000000 iraqi christians remain in the country. the pilgrim of peace as pope francis called himself is aware of the risks he is taking amid an ongoing pandemic and a regional conflict. this is an emblematic trip and it is my duty to a martyred land. but he is not traveling alone he's protected by one of the largest security deployments in recent iraqi history $10000.00 personnel by some estimates including special forces 24 hour drone surveillance and undercover intelligence officers it's the 1st visit by a pope to iraq and comes just 2 days after a rocket attack that seemed to put the trip in doubt. his 1st remarks in baghdad acknowledge the difficult days most iraqis have had to endure without a military escort. over the past several decades iraq has suffered the disastrous effects of wars the scourge of terrorism and sectarian conflicts often grounded in a fundamentalism incapable of accepting the peaceful coexistence different ethnic and religious groups in the name of god cannot be used to justify acts of murder exile terroris

many christians decide to baptize their children as infants. this signifies for them a permanent connection with the greater christian community. i then as they proceed onward to confirmation as teenagers to become full members of the church. i the confirmation service generally takes place in the presence of family friends and other members of the parish. i know i say we conduct this service in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. jesus christ overcame death and revealed life and eternal existence so her days reading for the 16th sunday after trinity is from some polls 2nd letter to timothy was her choice. as this was her in severe minutes protest against death to the divine savior is mightier than death. that our faith encourages us to hold on to this trace and to trust in its. in this letter between apostle paul and his disciple timothy paul exhorts the christian community to be faithful to the gospel today of course this xor taishan is addressed to the 2 young people being confirmed . yeah how does that's right the

in iraq what does this to it mean for christians but also been on christians. well they need. to have some 30 in western in western what we would call really western power structures i mean the most the most you know the most visible figure that has visited iraq in a very long time so i mean i think to some degree this is very good for the christian communities the catholic community chiefly among them but also the christian communities that are not nothing i mean the nation because he operates in so to some degree as an advocate for those community said well but at the very same time that actually how did i you know the position of iraq the context of. you know current. crisis in the region but also sort of finish that it's coming back from the ashes were actually just. you know what you've got to be as can be can be i think of some degree to that the results of our iraq i'll just briefly we're saying pictures of the mass now that it's happening and it's underway what's happening it was it left on the shuttle what's happening what is the pope doing for the res

christian fraser is in london. any discussion over the migrant situation at the us border is inherently tricky. historically, one side of the us political spectrum has used words like "invasion" and "illegal aliens" to convey a sense of emergency. the other side works terms like "dreamers" into the political vernacular. they want to highlight the positive elements of america's long history with immigration. but the word that is being used across the divide is "crisis" — although the biden administration still fights shy of using that term despite the chaos we are seeing at the border. on capitol hill today, republican lawmakers took turns slamming the current commander in chief for what they perceive to be a softer approach, undoing all the progress they would claim has been made in the last four years. the biden administration has created chaos where there was order. - and the only way we'll ever be able to sit down with our democratic - colleagues is for us to regain control of the border. - and i want to say w

there is a choir of local christian women singing. the paper's visit is a four date visit, when you think that many political leaders do not even stay a night in iraq because of the security concerns, you realise in a sense what a big risk the pope is running. christians have been targeted in iraq but there was a terrible suicide bomb attack in a church the pope visited yesterday, the attack happened about ten years ago, but the pope visited to pay his respects. 0ne ago, but the pope visited to pay his respects. one of the highlights will be at sunday mass on the holiest day of the week for christians in which they will mark a very important celebration and one of the things that the pope is doing is going to a town which is one of the oldest christian towns in iraq, largely destroyed in a 2015 by the group which calls itself islamic state when they swept through the province. but when residents have started to return, they started rebuilding and they are completing the work on a beautiful style which is going to be given to pope fran

thank you so much to all of our guests, stuart neil, christian buga, and maggie m. and thank you, too, for watching. you can see this and all of our previous programs again anytime by visiting our website, aljazeera.com. and for further discussion, go to our facebook page. that's facebook.com/ajinsidestory. you can also join the coersation on twitter. our handle is @ajinsidestory. from me, mohammed jamjoom, and the whole team here, bye for now. ♪ fvfvfvfvfvfvfvfvfvfvfvr ♪♪♪ eric campbell: he's one of the world's most powerful men, and he says he has coronavirus handled. president vladimir putin: [speaking russian] ♪♪♪ eric: she's a humble doctor, and she says he's lying. dr. anastasia vasilyeva: the situation is not under control. in some hospitals, patients are dying without any help. announcer: anastasia vasilyeva heads a doctors' trade union that's challenging the kremlin's propaganda. she's trying to bring hospitals the life-saving equipment they lack to fight the virus. the full force of the state has been used to stop her.

but being there now for christians in that part of the well is important. they had had so many years of persecution and many of them led and now there seems hope perhaps they can rebuild. —— united emirates. going to iraq, pope francis is asking for attention for the safety christians there but more than that really, the conversations that he had are sustained were also about rights and about the importance that christians should have equal rights and should be seen as much a citizens as muslims in the country, and that is something that he continually says about christians in muslim countries, that is why it is so significant. and i think that is so significant. and i think that is the what he is trying to get to come he wants people to be reconciled, he has talked about the need for forgiveness on the christian side. but he wants that hand of friendship to be there that will also be about actual rights i think. ., , ., ., , think. the reality of the ground is so very different _ think. the reality of the ground is so very different though. - think. th

this is news to live from berlin and pope francis visits are actually sitting christians who endured the brutality of this one exchange john it's the pontiff has arrived in northern iraq and will visit the terrorist groups one time stronghold he's rallying the country's christian minority after decades of war and instability also coming up protesters are out on the streets of miramar cities again this after reports of police raids in a number of arrests as authorities attempt to push back against opponents of last month's. and speaking out against harassment in india a lot has improved since the country's need to moment but many women still feel they are being protected at work. and a warm welcome to our viewers around the world i'm michel oku we start in iraq where pope francis is visiting the city of mosul the one time stronghold of the so-called islamic state as part of his historic visit to the country francis offered prayers outside a centuries old church for those he called the victims of war in the northern iraqi city which was heavily damaged while under isis control despite

belong to minorities like the christians. this is also very special because we're still talking about the fact that they don't have the same rights we're talking about an ongoing genocide we're talking about the feel. instead of what is happening in the future so we're we're talking about sui 40000000 christians who are in the sweat and worldwide and in the places i think on the 11th side. and i think this is it could be something to make clear this is the country of muslims christians and all religious minorities and therefore i think it's more than the symbol. the majority muslim population and in iraq has looked on and seen terrible things happening to the minority christian population shocking shocking things i don't need to quote older figures we're all familiar with the figures. why is there a sense that the muslim population is open to the message to the pope is bringing with him. i think the question could be are they open each other from both sides for each of the messages this is the most important question i think

community to remain close to them so as to encourage iraq's christians christians to stay many christians have left iraq as a result of the recent violence and in fact one of the main objectives of pope francis visit here is to encourage the approximately 300000 christians who are still believed to be in the country to remain he did acknowledge the victims of the attack that happened here in 2010 he also acknowledged victims from other ethnic religious minorities such as the for example and he did also appeal to the youth he said the young people are a sign of promise and hope and what he's really saying here is that the next generation of christians the young people that they need to remain in iraq we have seen obviously a huge exodus of christians and perhaps some of the older generations they're inclined to stay simply because they've spent most of their lives here they're keen to preserve the past but many of the young people they don't see a future in this country the moment they get in a paternity to emigrate abroad so they can really practice and live in peace they take that opport

how they in armenian orthodox protestant as well as other branches of christianity. then politicised we are sending a message to the pope and to the world that we are here to do that now the christians are remaining on our land though our roots are here so that it is impossible to leave the homeland that embraced us let's see if that makes it much fun to joe hockey's so there were as many as an estimated 1400000 christians in the country at the start of the iraq war in 2003 sectarian conflict drove most of them away in 2014 the so-called islamic state started targeting christians driving hundreds of thousands of them from their homes those who remain belong to many different branches of the faith. there's a crisis of instability our future is completely uncertain our faith has always saved us so far during his last state regime and the countless attacks on churches homes and villages it has helped us in iraq and it will continue to do so now through this phase. we love our country and are rooted here but if the situation keeps getting worse we may have to leave the p

who have endured the brutality of this lama 60 minutes and he's encouraging their country's christian minority this stain iraq unhealthy bill also coming up the protesters are out on the streets of miramar cities and candice after reports of police raids in a number of the breasts as authorities attempt to push back against opponents of last month's to. speaking out against harassment in india a lot has improved since the country's need to moment but many women still feel they are being protected at work. i'm michel ok welcome we start in iraq where pope francis has been visiting the city of mosul the one time stronghold of the so-called islamic state as part of his historic visit to the country francis offered prayers and words that were translated to arabic outside the ruins of 4 demolished churches in the northern iraqi city during a prayer for war victims he released a white dove of peace now despite the pandemic the pope also plans to celebrate mass in the city of erbil later today for an expected crowd of 10000 people. i'm joined by correspondent owen hold away with more what's

iraq is home to some of the earliest christian settlements the christian community here is diverse like few others in the world roman catholics live side by side with l.d.n. catholics protestants armenian orthodox christians and others. then politicize. an emotional day we are sending a message to the pope and the world that we are here to know more we the christians are remaining on our land our roots are here it is impossible to leave the homeland that embraced us yes yes that this is not not a gentle heart yes. there were as many as 1400000 christians in the country at the start of the iraq war in 2003 sectarian conflict drove most of them away in 2014 the so-called islamic state began targeting christians driving hundreds of thousands more from their homes the pope's visit is a sign of victory over this tide of violence he is set to visit mosul a former stronghold of the islamic state which was recaptured in 2017 by government forces and the head of the catholic church plans to meet with iraq's top shia muslim cleric grand ayatollah ali al sistani who has never met with the pope a b

many christians decide to baptize their children as infants. this signifies for them a permanent connection with the greater christian community. the then as they proceed onward to confirmation as teenagers to become full members of the church. i the confirmation service generally takes place in the presence of family friends and other members of the parish. i was we conduct the service in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit this. was jesus christ overcame death and revealed life and eternal existence so her 2 days reading for the 16th sunday after trinity is from some poems 2nd letter to timothy was her choice. as this was her and said the immense protest against death to the divine savior is mightier than death. that our faith encourages us to hold on to this trace and to trust in it. in this letter between apostle paul and his disciple timothy paul exhorts the christian community to be faithful to the gospel today of course this xor taishan is addressed to the 2 young people being confirmed . yeah how does that's rig

is one has to live that life to be christians to have healing he knows. but do not get discouraged you have to be able to feel good. and struggle with morty it's not easy it's difficult with that but god to bring peace in this land and we trust in him and ignore those people of goodwill is still with us. where religion must not be used as an instrument as a to. go. and we know what happens in terrorism people. there are good times and in bad times there's deep illness that gratitude. stan grooms. when we recognize the gifts and the promises and the want is. it you borderline the best and this. just forward towards the future. that. lost during the attacks were not killed during the attacks forgiveness is quite important to keep the love forgiveness is a portland to keep our souls as christians. please no a place for despair we have to be able to forgive at the same time we need to be brave the 2 fired as well you know this is difficult but do we believe there. can bring peace to this earth we have trust the lord and we. with every good men and women no pl