Devastated by war, Iraq’s Christians hope the Pope’s first ever visit can bring change

Papal visit begins later this week with high expectations among the faithful but large security concerns for others, reports Bel Trew in Baghdad

Hello Iraq: Pope Francis heads to the country on March 5 (Bel Trew)

Just 200 metres away blocking the road in front of the Iraqi cleric, was a vision from everyone’s worst nightmare: a cluster of black-flagged pick up trucks with heavily-armed Islamic State-militants inside.

It was 6 August 2014 just outside Najeeb Michaeel’s hometown of Qaraqosh, in northern Iraq.

Michaeel, a Dominican friar who was later ordained as archbishop of nearby Mosul, heard of the encroaching Isis army and gathered together parishioners and neighbours to flee to safety.  Among the belongings they were carrying with them was a trove of precious Christian manuscripts and books dating back to the 13th century rescued from the churches.