In response to questions from journalists, the director of the Holy See Press Office stated:

I confirm that this morning Pope Francis received in audience the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Fuad Mohammed Hussein. During their conversation, which lasted XX minutes, the Holy Father had the opportunity to recall with gratitude the welcome he received in his recent journey, and addressed an affectionate greeting to Iraq and to all its people, reiterating his hope that all people may “grow in solidarity and in the ability to acknowledge themselves as responsible for the vulnerabilities of others”.