The death of Pope Francis has sent shockwaves through Iraq’s Christian community, where his presence once brought hope after one of the darkest chapters in the country’s recent history.

World leaders send condolences after Pope's death Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani offered his “unwavering support” on Tuesday for the head of the country's Chaldean Catholic Church to succeed Pope Francis.

Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, Shiite Islam's highest authority in Iraq, offered his condolences on Monday for the death of Pope Francis, praising his work promoting "peace and tolerance".