A delegation from the Community of Sant'Egidio was present in Najaf due to the meeting between Pope Francis and Al Sistani. In particular, Sant'Egidio representatives were present thanks to the invitation of the Al Khoei Foundation, which is the Iraqi Shiite organization with which the Community has had a long collaborative relationship for the promotion of dialogue and peace.
The delegation was able to gather the enthusiasm and gratitude of the Shiite community for Pope Francis' visit to a symbolic place in the country, which is the city's ancient Shiite seminary. The Pope also met the Shiite community’s leader who is Al Sistani. He is the representative of the orthodox Shiite tradition that preaches tolerance and separation from politics. Moreover, gratitude was extended to the Community, which for years has kept open a channel of friendship and dialogue.
