19 March، 2026
Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD), in cooperation with the Strategic Resources Group (SRG) and the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) in the United States, held a virtual discussion seminar on ZOOM titled, "The Visit of His Holiness the Pope of the Vatican to Iraq: A Reading of the Spiritual and Political Implications and Meanings." The event featured a group of specialists in interfaith dialogue, including:

1.     Dr. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi: Director of Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD).

2.     Dr. Kent Hill: Senior Fellow at the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI).

3.     Dr. Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Humaym: Former Head of the Sunni Endowment Diwan.

4.     Sheikh Muhannad al-Saadi: Islamic researcher and preacher.

5.     Mr. Madhar al-Hilu: Researcher specializing in Islamic affairs.

Dr. Al-Zubaidi began the symposium by stating, "We are in the midst of a historic event that sends messages of peace, affirms the unity of the human position in the face of challenges, and enjoys broad consensus."

Dr. Hill then spoke, saying that the Pope's visit could benefit the Iraqi people, the region, and the world if it transcends the symbolic and ceremonial aspects. He stressed the necessity of enacting legal and social changes, such as the protection of minorities and the undermining of forces of violence and extremism.

In his remarks, Sheikh al-Humaym noted that the origin of the Abrahamic religions is a single source. He called for investing in the positive climate that the Pope's visit to Iraq will create to enhance national unity. He also emphasized that youth must have a role in making freedom of expression and should be encouraged to exchange ideas.

Sheikh Muhannad al-Saadi then spoke about the role of the religious seminary (Hawza) and the historic meeting that will bring together Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali al-Sistani and Pope Francis in Najaf, describing it as a scene that reflects Najaf's global stature and its presence in international intellectual forums.

Mr. al-Hilu mentioned that the citizens of Najaf, as well as those in other parts of Iraq, are very welcoming of the Pope's visit. He pointed to the historical Christian presence in Iraq, particularly in the Al-Hirah region.

The symposium, which was moderated by Dr. Ahmed Al-Mamouri, Director of the Research and Development Department at RCD, also included a significant number of interventions from participating professors, academics, and observers.