Ayatollah Sistani: “Sustained Cooperation is Urgent to Overcome the Shared Challenges”

Ayatollah Sistani, the renowned Shiite cleric of Islam met with Pope Francis, the head of Catholic church, in Iraq.

In a meeting between two renowned religious leaders of Islamic and Christian world, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, major Islamic cleric and Pope Francis negotiated about significant political and religious issues of the time.

The Two talked about the major challenges face by human being, and the role of faith in God, his prophecies, and keeping up with grand moral values in overcoming these challenges.

Ayatollah Sistani referred to the oppression, poverty, religious and intellectual persecution, lack of liberty and social justice in various countries. He pointed to what the regions’ nations are facing, from war and violence to economic restriction and mass obligatory displacement of people, specifically in Palestine and the occupied lands.

He also pointed to the effective role played by religious leaders and put emphasis on their responsibility to inhibit and decrease these sorts of disasters. Mr. Sistani also expressed hope in obliging the involved parties – especially the superpowers – to use wisdom and reason and end incessant fights.

The Iraqi respected cleric also said that the countries must avoid seeking private interest against other nations’ and their freedom and reverence. The renowned Shiite cleric also emphasized on the significance of coordination in the bid to consolidating solidarity and peaceful coexistence in all societies based on respecting human rights and mutual reverence among the followers of all religions.

Referring to the position of Iraq and its grand history and national features with all its diversities and orientations, Ayatollah Sistani said the hopes to pass the current unfortunate state must be kept.

He also asserted that Christian compatriots, like other Iraqis, should be able to live in security and peace and benefit from all their rights based on the constitution. Mr. Sistani also cited the role of religious Marja in supporting and protecting the rights of all minorities after years of oppression and violence inflicted on these groups. Mr. Sistani was referring to the period in which terrorists occupied large areas in northern provinces in Iraq and committed unhuman criminal practices.

Ayatollah Sistani wished nobility and felicity for the great bishop and all the followers of catholic church and all humanity. He also expressed gratitude for pope’s travel to Najaf, the Iraqi city, to meet with him.

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, made a three-day trip to the war-stricken Iraq to meet with his namely counterpart in Iraq. He also plans to visit Christian minorities in Iraq and will address the people who suffered from years of ISIS violence in the north of Iraq.