The pontiff touched down slightly ahead of schedule at Baghdad International Airport on Friday afternoon.

He said he felt duty bound to make the quote emblematic visit because Iraq had suffered so much for so long.

It is essential to ensure the participation of all political, social and religious groups and to guarantee the fundamental rights of all citizens.

May no one be considered a second class citizen.

I encourage the strides made so far on this journey, and I trust that they will strengthen Tranquility and Concord in the Concord.

The first stop was to meet Iraqi President Barham Salih at the presidential palace, where a red carpet military band and flock of doves greeted him.

Iraq has deployed thousands of additional security personnel to protect the 84 year old, and while he usually insists on traveling in simple and small cars, this Friday saw him in a bulletproof BMW with a massive motorcade.

The country has suffered a spate of rockets and suicide bomb attacks that have raised fears for the pope Safety now in Feruzzi was part of a selected group of Iraqi Christians permitted to make a journey to see the pope shortly after he arrived.

I never thought that I would see the pope honestly.

It was a visit we thought to be impossible.

Even though the country's conditions are poor, infrastructure is poor.

We thought it was impossible, but it was the best surprise.

Francis is well win tour will take him by plane, helicopter and possibly armored car to four cities, including areas that most foreign dignitaries are unable to reach.

The pope will also be making another scheduled stop to say Mass at a Baghdad church where militants killed 50 worshippers in 2010.