November 22, 2010. The Pope dedicated his prayers to religious freedom, at a rainy weekly Angelus in St. Peter's Square. He also said he was close to those being persecuted in war-torn countries like Iraq.


Benedict XVI
“The ecclesiastic communities are praying for the Christians who are suffering persecutions and discrimination, especially in Iraq.”

Recent instances of persecution, culminated in  the October 31st  massacre in Iraq.

The attack on Baghdad's Syrian Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, left 58 dead and more than 100 wounded.

In his speech, the Pontiff also reminded the crowd that November 21st is Pro Orantibus Day.

Pro Orantibus is latin for “those who pray”, and is a day meant to honor cloistered religious and celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Mary.

To the cloistered men and women around the world, Benedict XVI imparted an apostolic blessing from his heart.

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