Pope Francis has gifted a Christian commander of Babylon Movement with his rosary bead.

The pontiff gave his rosary bead to Rayan al Kaldani, a Christian commander of Babylon Movement, part of the Popular Mobilization Unit (PMU), reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
 
Pope Francis also met with the top Shia jurisprudent Ayatollah al-Sistani on the first day of his three-day visit to Iraq.

 
The pontiff met with Iraqi President Barham Salih following his arrival on Friday as the Iraqi president welcomed the top Christian leader and referred to the bravery of the Iraqi army in reinstalling the cross of a church in Mosul which had been removed by Daesh terrorists.
 
President Salih stressed role of Pope in calling the people to peace and stability.
 
The pontiff has scheduled to meet with a number of Iraqi political and religious leaders. He will also visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh where he will recite the Angelus with believers before celebrating the Holy Mass at Franso Hariri stadium and also the ancient city of Ur, the birthplace of the biblical patriarch Abraham.