The office of the supreme Shiite cleric, Ali al-Sistani, announced, on Saturday, the details of the "historic meeting" with the Pope of the Vatican in the city of Najaf, speaking about the role of religious leaders and affirming at the same time its concern for the security of Iraqi Christians and their constitutional rights.

According to a statement issued by Al-Sistani's office, "During the meeting, the discussion revolved around the great challenges that humanity faces in this era and the role of faith in God Almighty and his messages and commitment to high moral values ​​in overcoming them."

Al-Sistani talked about the injustice, oppression, poverty, religious and intellectual persecution, suppression of basic freedoms and the absence of social justice, "especially the wars, acts of violence, economic siege, and displacement of many peoples in our region, and so on, especially the Palestinian people in the occupied territories."

He pointed out the role that the great religious and spiritual leaders should play in reducing these tragedies, and what is hoped for in urging the concerned parties - especially in the great powers - to give priority to reason and wisdom and to reject the language of war, and not to expand caring for their self-interests at the expense of Peoples' rights to live in freedom and dignity.

He stressed the importance of concerted efforts to consolidate the values ​​of harmony, peaceful coexistence, and human solidarity in all societies, based on fostering rights and mutual respect among followers of different religions and intellectual trends.

Sistani praised, according to the statement, "the position of Iraq and its glorious history and the honorable Muhammad of its various affiliations," and expressed his hope that "it will surpass its current ordeal in a not long time."

He affirmed his interest in “Christian citizens living like all Iraqis in security and peace and in full to their constitutional rights,” and pointed out part of the role that the religious authority played in protecting them and all those who had been wronged and harmed in the incidents of past years, especially during the period during which the terrorists seized vast areas. In several Iraqi provinces, and they practiced unearthly criminal acts there. "

Al-Sistani wished the Pope, the followers of the Catholic Church, and the general public of humanity good and happiness, and thanked him for taking the trouble to travel to Najaf to make this visit, according to the statement.