In a historic meeting, Grand Ayatollah Sistani and Pope Francis discuss the role of faith in God, His messages, and peaceful coexistence

The Islamic religious authority, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani, discussed with the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, Pope Francis, the role of faith in God and His messages and commitment to the noble moral values.
The Office of Grand Ayatollah Sistani said in a statement, received by the Shiawaves, that the meeting discussed the great challenges facing humanity in this era and the role of faith in God Almighty and His messages and commitment to the noble moral values in overcoming them.
According to the statement, the Grand Ayatollah spoke about the injustice, oppression, poverty, religious and intellectual persecution, suppression of basic freedoms and the absence of social justice, especially the wars, acts of violence, economic blockade, displacement and other misfortunes suffered by many in our region, especially the Palestinian people in the occupied territories.
His Eminence indicated the great spiritual leaders should have a role in curbing these tragedies and urging the concerned parties, especially in the great powers, to give priority to wisdom and to reject the language of war.
The Islamic religious authority stressed the importance of concerted efforts to consolidate the values of harmony, peaceful coexistence and human solidarity in all societies, calling for the protection of rights and mutual respect between followers of different religions, referring to the status of Iraq and its glorious history and the praise of its honorable people with all their affiliations.
Al-Sistani affirmed his concern for Christian citizens to live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with full constitutional rights.
The head of the Catholic Church highlighted the Grand Ayatollah’s role in protecting them and the rest of those who had been wronged in the incidents of past years, especially during the period of ISIS control of several Iraqi provinces, where horrific acts were practiced.
His Eminence wished the pontiff, the Christians, and everyone happiness and good, and thanked him for making the effort to travel to Najaf to make this visit.
Pope Francis arrived this morning, Saturday, to the city of the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, and met the Islamic religious authority, Sayyed Ali al-Sistani.