Bureau of Pope Francis in the Vatican has issued a message following the historical visit between the pontiff and top Iraqi Shia jurisprudent Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Sistani on Saturday appreciating the Muslim cleric for standing against violence in support of the oppressed and national unity in Iraq.

 
The media bureau of Pope Francis in the Vatican stressed necessity of cooperation and friendship between different religious groups and said," We should all contribute welfare for Iraq, region and entire humanity via mutual respect and dialogue."
 
The media bureau of the pontiff called the meeting an opportunity for Pope Francis to appreciate the Shia cleric and his community for raising voice against violence and difficulties of the recent years in support of the weaker and the oppressed" adding," They highlighted sanctity of human life and importance of national unity in Iraq."
 
Pope Francis met with senior Shia jurisprudent on the first day of his three-day visit to Iraq. The pontiff has scheduled to meet with a number of political and religious leaders in the Arab country.