In an official comment by US President Joe Biden on Pope Francis' historic visit to Iraq. Official White House website published today

The text of the commentary reads: "Iraq is a country mired in religious and ethnic diversity and home to one of the oldest and most diverse Christian societies in the world."

He added: "Pope Francis's visit was the first historic and welcome visit to the country. He sent an important message, as Pope Francis himself said, that brothers are more durable than brothers, that hope is stronger than death, and that peace is stronger than war. "

Biden considered that seeing Pope Francis visiting ancient religious sites, including the birthplace of Abraham Al Torati, spending time with Grand Ayatollah Ali Al - Sistani in Najaf, and praying in Mosul, a city that just a few years ago suffered from the corruption and intolerance of extremist groups like ISIS, was a symbol of hope for the entire world.

He concluded by commenting: "I congratulate the Government and the people of Iraq for the care and planning that contributed to this enormous visit, and I continue to admire Pope Francis for his commitment to promoting religious tolerance, the common bonds of our humanity and interfaith understanding."