Dr. Al-Zubaidi inaugurated the discussion saying that Iraq in the process of a historical event that sends a message of peace reaffirming the universal unity of all humanity against serious challenges, which could produce positive results and constitute a pivotal point in the history of interreligious dialogue, in addition to the triumph of the language of reconciliation and tolerance that Abrahamic religions preached since their emergence.
On his part, Dr. Hill stated that the papal visit could bring benefits for the peoples of Iraq, the region, and the whole world if it surpassed the dimensions of morality and protocols and tackled the necessity of change in the fields of laws and society, such as providing security for minorities and overcoming violence and extremism.
Furthermore, Shaykh Al-Hamim indicated that Abrahamic religions stemmed from the same root, and that it is necessary to benefit from the positive climate brought by the papal visit to strengthen national unity, emphasizing that Iraqi youth should play a role in establishing freedom of thought and exchanging ideas.
Shaykh Al-Sa'idi talked about the role of Scientific Hawza and the forthcoming historical meeting between Grand Ayatollah Sayed Ali Al-Sistani and Pope Francis in An-Najaf Holy City, which will be an evidence of the global nature of Najaf and its presence in international forums.
Sayed Al-Hilu stated that the people of An-Najaf Holy City, and the whole Iraqi people, welcomes the papal visit, and indicated that there is a deep historical presence of Christianity in Iraq, for Al-Hirah District was a place where Christians were free to practice their rituals.
It is worth mentioning that a large number of professors, academics and observers also participated in the online panel discussion that was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ahmad Sami Al-Mammouri, director of RCD's Research and Development department.