Shafaq News/ Pope Francis said that he "thinks closely of the beloved Iraq", calling for "those tormented people to find peace and stability after many years of war and violence after they have suffered so much."

During Wednesday's open meeting with people at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, the Pope added said "Dear brothers and sisters, my thoughts are moving towards beloved Iraq, where the protests this month caused the death and injury of many people."

"While expressing my deepest condolences to the victims and expressing my sad feelings to their families and the wounded, I call on the authorities to listen to the cry of the people who demand a dignified and peaceful life," Francis said.

The Pope concluded with another appeal I urge all Iraqis to follow the path of dialogue and reconciliation and to seek appropriate solutions to the country's challenges and problems, with the support of the international community.