IRBIL — Pope Francis prayed on Sunday for Christians who were displaced by violence to the Kurdish city of Mosul city, northern Iraq.

The Pope said in a speech at a Church in Mosul that the welcome that the "Christians received after their return to Mosul gives hope for a great future," stressing that the true identity of Mosul is the peaceful coexistence in the city.

The Pope expressed his regret over devastation of Nineveh city. "Our prayers go to victims of terrorism."

According to a statement by the Kurdistan region presidency, the Pope thanked the region’s president Nechirvan Barzani for the warm welcome.

Pope Francis arrived at Irbil International Airport and was received by Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Regional Government Masrour Barzani, their two deputies, representatives of the religious components in the region, and a number of government officials.

He will hold a mass at Franso Hariri Stadium in Irbil where 10,000 people will attend — KUNA