Pope Benedict (file photo) (AFP)
10 November 2005 -- Pope Benedict is urging Iraqi officials to defend religious freedom and protect the country's Christian minority.
The pope made his plea at the Vatican today during talks with Iraq's president, Jalal Talabani.
The Catholic Church in the past has expressed concern that Christians may be made the target of attacks by militants operating in Iraq.
(compiled from agency reports)
RFE/RL Iraq Report
RFE/RL Iraq Report