Pope Francis makes first-ever visit to Iraq

A welcoming ceremony was held for the pope at the airport to start his historic tour in Iraq. Photo by Humam Mohamed/UPI

Francis said he felt compelled to make the risky visit because the people of Iraq "have suffered so much." Photo courtesy of Office of the Iraqi President

Iraqi President Barham Saleh (R) greets Francis at Baghdad's presidential palace. Photo by Humam Mohamed/UPI

"Only if we learn to look beyond our differences and see each other as members of the same human family will we be able to begin a process of rebuilding and leave future generations a better, more just and humane world," Francis said in his welcoming address at the palace. Photo by Humam Mohamed/UPI