Pope Francis met Ali al-Sistani, one of the most prominent spiritual leaders of Shia Muslims, when he traveled to Iraq in 2021.
Now, two years later, he addressed a letter to al-Sistani, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and friendship among different religions.
The Pope highlighted their mutual need for political action while also thanking al-Sistani for his commitment defending those suffering persecution. Al-Sistani was one of Iraq's key leaders in protecting his people in the fight against ISIS.
The letter was sent on the occasion of a conference in Najaf, Iraq, titled, “Catholics and Shiites Facing the Future”, hosted by the Community of Sant'Egidio and the Al-Khoei Institute of Najaf.
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