Top Iraqi Shia cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, has issued a message to welcome the visit by Pope Francis to be made next month.

Prominent Shia scholar in his latest tweet reacted to those opposing the next month visit by Pope Francis and hailed the trip by leader of Catholics, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
 
The cleric in his message noted," Compromise among different religions is a pleasant event and we welcome the trip by leader of the world Catholic people to our country."
 
He added," Najaf, as the capital of religions, will welcome Pope Francis, who is himself a pacifist."
 
Pope Francis has scheduled to visit Iraq next month to visit some Iraqi cities and senior Shia jurisprudent Ayatollah Seyyed Ali al-Sistani.