An official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People has asked overseas Filipino workers in Iraq to watch the "historic" visit of Pope Francis there.
CBCP-ECMI Vice Chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos described the occasion as a moment of grace and source of God's blessing for OFWs.
"With consent of your employers, our dear OFWs in Iraq, bear witness and watch from homes the apostolic visit of Pope Francis," he said in an interview Friday, March 5.
"Make it a moment of grace and source of God's blessing," added Santos.
The Balanga, Bataan prelate said the Apostolic Visit of His Holiness to Iraq is "historic events of God's grace and love for His people." "It is our Holy Father's pilgrimage of hope and peace to Iraq, manifesting his compassion and solidarity with them and bringing comfort and God's strength," said Santos.
The CBCP official asked everyone to pray for the safety of Pope Francis and to also implore God that the visit will be succesful in bringing "healing, harmony and unity." Pope Francis' visit to Iraq is set from March 5 to 8, 2021.
Before embarking on the apostolic journey, the pontiff asked the faithful to accompany him with their prayers, so that it may bear the hoped-for fruits.
Vatican News said Iraq has remained the only nation in the Holy Land not visited by a Pope. It added that during the time of Pope St. John Paul II, he expressed desire to visit Iraq but it never took place.