In a speech at the Iraqi Presidential Palace shortly after his arrival, the pope said there must be an "end to acts of violence and extremism, factions and intolerance," according to AFP.

"Let the guns fall silent," he said.

The pope also called for Christians to have a more prominent role in public life in Iraq "as citizens with full rights, freedoms, and responsibilities."

It is the first time that a pope has visited Iraq, which holds deep meaning for the country's Christian community decimated by decades of discrimination and violence. It is also Francis' first trip since suspending foreign visits in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

During his busy three day trip, he will visit Baghdad, Ur, Najaf, Qaraqosh, Mosul, and Erbil for meetings with senior political and religious officials, including Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. He will also preside over services in Baghdad and Ur and at an outdoor mass in the Kurdistan Region’s capital.

The pope was welcomed at Baghdad International Airport by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

"With love and peace, Iraq's people and government are welcoming His Holiness Pope Francis and reaffirming the depths of this humanitarian bond," Kadhimi said ahead of the pope's arrival.

After coming down the flight stairway, the pontiff and the prime minister talked for several minutes before exiting the airport, flanked by dancers and musicians wearing traditional Iraqi and Kurdish clothes.

Escorted by a phalanx of police on motorcycles, Pope Francis then headed into the city at the head of a long convoy of vehicles, waving to crowds that included thousands of Christians gathered alongside the road holding Vatican and Iraqi flags.

Arriving at the Presidential Palace, the Catholic leader met with Iraqi President Barham Salih, before giving a speech to approximately 150 religious, diplomatic, and government leaders.

During his speech, Pope Francis acknowledged the Ezidi genocide committed by the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group.

"Here, among so many who have suffered, my thoughts turn to the Ezidis, innocent victims of senseless and brutal atrocities," he said.

During his speech President Salih said that the "Christians of Iraq are the people of this land" and called for displaced Christians and minorities to return to country and for the government to devote resources to the economic development of their home areas.

Pope Francis then presided meeting of members of the clergy at Saydet al-Najat Church in Baghdad's Karrada neighborhood, the site of a grisly attack by Islamist militants that killed dozens of people in October 2010.

"I thank you, my brother bishops and priests, for remaining close to your people," he said.

Reporter's code: 50101