LOC18:56
15:56 GMT
VATICAN CITY, Feb 10 (KUNA) -- Pope Francis held talks on Wednesday with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi on humanitarian plight of millions of refugees in the Middle East, the Iraqi national conciliation and minorities' conditions in the country.
The Vatican's press office said in statement that the talks, held at the Papal seat, were cordial, lauding good ties between Iraq and the Vatican.
The Pope and Premier Al-Abadi dealt with conditions of the Christians, religious and racial minorities in Iraq, calling for their protection, while underscoring necessity of reconciliation among the nation's various segments.
The discussions also dealt with humanitarian situation of millions of refugees in the Middle East, including Iraqis, with emphasis on "dialogue among the religions and responsibility of religious communities with respect of boosting tolerance and peace."
It added that the premier also held talks with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in a meeting attended by Secretary for Relations with States
Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
Christians in Iraq, before 2013, were reportedly estimated at more than one million. Now the figure has dwindled to some 200,000 -- the issue is evidently of high concern for the Vatican. (end)
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