A delegate from the Vatican has paid visit to the holy shrine of first Shia Imam, Imam Ali (AS) in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf, ahead of a visit by Pope Francis with Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Sistani scheduled for March 6.

The Four-day visit by Pope Francis is scheduled to be held on March 5-8, 2021 as Iraqi authorities are preparing to welcome the top Christian figure.

 
Leader of the Catholic world will visit Nasiriyah, birthplace of Prophet Abraham as well as the holy shrine of Hazrat Ali (AS) first Shia Imam and cousin of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

 
A historical meeting between the leader of the Catholic world with top Shia jurisprudent Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Sistani will also take place during the trip.

 
The Vatican delegate met with a number of religious leaders and guardians of Imam Ali (AS) holy shrine to coordinate the upcoming visit by Pope Francis.