Twenty-nine humanitarian aid organizations operating in Iraq signed a joint statement on March 2 welcoming Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq, which will take place on March 5-8.

“As faith-based organizations, we fully embrace this message of fraternity and dialogue that Pope Francis is bringing to Iraq,” the aid organizations’ letter said.

“We firmly believe it represents a necessary way forward to heal past wounds and build a future for the country’s diverse communities. We work in collaboration with the national and local authorities to help communities reconcile, rebuild peace, and reclaim their collective rights to safety, services, and livelihoods.”

Signatories included Islamic Relief Worldwide, Christian Aid, World vision international, Lutheran World Federation, and Catholic Relief Services.

In their joint statement, the 29 aid groups highlighted the significant challenges facing Iraq, including war, insecurity, deeply strained relations between communities and a worsening economic crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, that is pushing many into poverty and depriving the government of resources needed to assist its own people.