Pope Francis thanked the ayatollah for speaking up “ in defence of those most vulnerable and persecuted” amid the violence and hardships of Iraq’s recent history, the Holy See press spokesman said.

The Shia leader’s message of peace, he said, affirmed “ the sacredness of human life and the importance of the unity of the Iraqi people” .

Grand Ayatollah Sistani is spiritual leader of millions of Shia Muslims, the dominant religious community in Iraq.

He “ affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights” , his office said. (Source: BBC News)