Benedict XVI, who resigned as pontiff eight years ago, warned in an interview published Monday that Pope Francis' historic upcoming trip to Iraq was "dangerous".

"I think it's a very important trip," the 93-year-old pope emeritus, who lives in a monastery in the Vatican City, told the Corriere della Sera daily.

"Unfortunately, it comes at a very difficult time, which also makes it a dangerous trip: for reasons of security and for coronavirus.

"And then there's the unstable situation in Iraq. I will accompany Francis with my prayers."

Francis, 84, will become the first pope to visit Iraq when he begins a packed three-day trip on Friday.

Since it was first announced in December, the Vatican has reserved the right to postpone the visit at the last minute.

But the pope, who like Benedict has been vaccinated against coronavirus, appears set on going -- even if restrictions mean most Iraqis will have to follow the trip on television.

Iraq is currently battling renewed violence as well as a second deadly wave of coronavirus infections, which has prompted overnight curfews and full weekend lockdowns.

Just days ahead of the trip, the Vatican's ambassador to Iraq Mitja Leskovar tested positive for Covid-19, two officials said Sunday.

But Francis is fulfilling the dream of a predecessor, late pope John Paul II.

In his interview, Benedict XVI -- whose real name is Joseph Ratzinger -- looked back on his shock decision to become the first pope since the Middle Ages to resign.

"It was a difficult decision. But I took it in good conscience, and I think I did the right thing," he said.

"Some of my more 'fanatical' friends are still angry, they did not want to accept my choice," he said.

He noted all the "conspiracy theories" that circulated about why he resigned, but repeated that his "conscience is clear".

The existence of two popes has caused some concern, but the German insisted: "There is one pope."

Related Links
Iraq: The first technology war of the 21st century

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Amid scars of war, Iraqi archbishop readies for pope
Karamlesh, Iraq (AFP) March 1, 2021
From Mosul's rubble-strewn streets to ancient churches at Karamlesh, badly damaged by the Islamic State group, Archbishop Najeeb Michaeel is preparing for the first-ever papal visit to Iraq. Amid the cleanup and reconstruction, the priest has ensured some scars of war from IS's brutal campaign remain - a broken chalice, a smashed cross on a church bell tower - to remember the horrors the Christians of Iraq's Nineveh plains have survived. "We forgive, without forgetting," said Michaeel, the Cha ... read more