Iraqi priest dances for joy over Pope's arrival

Reuters Videos
4 年前

The 31 year-old priest said a feeling of overwhelming joy took a hold of him as he began cheering and swaying before the crowds, who were holding balloons and Vatican City flags amid blaring music.

Father Momika is an active member of the church committee organizing festivals and activities for youth in the Christian enclave of Qaraqosh.

"But this time, it was like a dream come true," he explained, adding that he had never expected the Pope to visit his hometown of Qaraqosh.

When Islamic State invaded the area in 2014, many residents fled to neighboring Iraqi Kurdistan, including Father Momika. He returned to Qaraqosh right after it was liberated in 2016 and since then, residents and the church have been painstakingly rebuilding their city, where they were proud to welcome Pope Francis.

"Since the war, I did not see the people of this town feeling so much joy," he said, adding that several thousands attended mass in Qaraqosh today, hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis who said an Angelus in the 'Grand Immaculate' church, Iraq's biggest.