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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Locsin: Pope Francis is world's 'only relevant' religious leader

Locsin: Pope Francis is world's 'only relevant' religious leader

Published Mar 6, 2021 09:57 am

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Pope Francis was the only relevant religious leader in the world after the latter called for an end to extremism and violence.

Pope Francis talks to the crowd from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St Peter's square as it rains during his Angelus prayer, on October 11, 2020 in Vatican. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)

Locsin made the statement after the 84-year-old Pope made a historic visit to Iraq amid the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a tweet, Locsin said he does not care what other people think about the Pope.

"Frankly, let’s face it: Pope Francis is the only relevant religious leader in the world," he said in a tweet late Friday evening.

"I don’t give two shits what anyone else thinks about that. It’s a fact," he added.

In his opening address during the first-ever papal visit to war-scarred Iraq, Pope Francis wished for an end to acts of violence and extremism.

He likewise hailed over devastated Iraqi minorities.

"May there be an end to acts of violence and extremism, factions and intolerance!" he said.

"Here, among so many who have suffered, my thoughts turn to the Yazidis, innocent victims of senseless and brutal atrocities," he added.

Francis also stressed the deep roots of Christianity in Iraq.

'The age-old presence of Christians in this land, and their contributions to the life of the nation, constitute a rich heritage that they wish to continue to place at the service of all," he said.

After enduring decades of war, Iraq continues to hunt for Islamic State (ISIS) cells in the country as it faces a second spike of COVID-19 infections.

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