Pope Francis prays for stability in Iraq amid deadly protests
Wed 30 October 2019:
Pope Francis prayed Wednesday for Iraq, where 18 more people were killed and hundreds wounded Oct. 29 during political protests in Karbala.
“My thoughts turn to beloved Iraq, where protests during this month have caused numerous deaths and injuries,” the pope said during the general audience Oct. 30.
“I pray that those battered people will find peace and stability after so many years of war and violence, where they have suffered so much.”
There have been numerous anti-government protests across Iraq this month, with the last wave beginning Oct. 25. Since the beginning of the protests, government forces have used tear gas and bullets against protesters.
At least 88 protesters have been killed in the last five days and around 149 protesters died earlier this month, according to AP.
Protests are largely in response to government corruption and a lack of economic growth and proper public services. Protesters are calling for reform and for the resignation of the Iraqi government.
At his audience in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 30, Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the wounded, for all those who have died and for their families, adding that he invites the Iraqi authorities “to listen to the cry of the population that asks for a dignified and peaceful life.”
“I urge all Iraqis, with the support of the international community, to pursue the path of dialogue and reconciliation and to seek the right solutions to the challenges and problems of the country,” he said.
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