Pope Meets With Iraqi Prime Minister

Pope Benedict XVI asked the leader for greater Security for Christians in Iraq.

VATICAN CITY (Zenit) - Benedict XVI asked for security for the Christian communities in Iraq upon receiving Prime Minister Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki.

The Pope received the Iraqi leader today at Castel Gandolfo.

A Vatican communiqué stated that the talks were "cordial," and that they "provided an opportunity to examine a number of fundamental aspects of the situation in Iraq, also taking into account the regional situation."

"Particular attention was given to the question of the many Iraqi refugees," added the statement, "both inside and outside the country, who are in need of assistance, also with a view to their hoped-for return."

The text continued: "Renewed condemnation was expressed for the violence that continues to hit various parts of the country almost daily, not sparing the Christian communities which strongly feel the need for greater security.

"The hope was expressed that Iraq may definitively discover the road to peace and development through dialogue and cooperation among all ethnic and religious groups, including minorities, which, while respecting their respective identities and in a spirit of reconciliation and of searching for the common good, together undertake the moral and civil reconstruction of the country.

"In this context, the importance of interreligious dialogue was reiterated, as a way to religious understanding and civil coexistence."

The Vatican statement also revealed that the prime minister invited the Holy Father to visit Iraq.

Upon arriving to Rome on Thursday, Maliki paid a visit to the tomb of Pope John Paul II in the Vatican Grottoes.

The prime minster met also with the Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.