Iraq’s top Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani expressed to Pope Francis his disappointment in Iraqi politicians, revealed Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako, head of the Chaldean Catholic Church, after the Pontiff concluded his historic visit to the country.
In televised remarks, Sako, who was among the four official who attended their historic talks in Najaf city, said the meeting was supposed to only last 15 minutes, but ended up lasting 50.
Sako went into details about their meeting, saying Sistani, 90, personally received the pope, rising up from his seat to warmly shake his hands for a long time.
The politicians have disappointed him, said Sako of Sistani, who accused them of prioritizing personal interests above national ones, forcing him to refuse to meet with any of them.
The pope responded that politicians often seek personal interests above national ones.
Sistani has not met any of Iraq’s top officials, including the president, prime minister and parliament speaker, since 2015 in protest against their poor performance, rampant corruption throughout the state and failure to address society’s real problems.
He does however, receive international officials, who are visiting Iraq, including United Nations representatives.
Sistani had also voiced his support for popular anti-government protests that erupted in October 2019.
Asked whether any politician had requested to join the pope’s meeting with Sistani, Sako said no one did.
He revealed that Sistani discussed how major powers exploit wars for their interests.
At the end of their meeting, Sistani personally saw the pope to the door, holding hands while exchanging warm gratitude for the visit and reception.
On the return flight back to Rome on Monday, Pope Francis described his meeting with Sistani as "good for my soul", reported AFP.
"He is a person with this wisdom but also prudence. He told me that for the last 10 years, he has not received any visitors with political or cultural objectives, only those with religious motives.
"He was very respectful during our meeting and I felt honored. He never gets up to greet visitors, but he got up to greet me twice."
