Catholic Mass in Baghdad with Iraq's First-ever Cardinal

Benedict XVI named 23 new cardinals two weeks ago, including Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, Iraq's first ever prince of the Roman Catholic Church.

The cardinal has returned to Baghdad and taken up his shepherd's staff to lead the faithful along the road to peace.

This morning, under tight security, Cardinal Delly presided over Mass at the Church of the Virgin Mary in mainly Shiite eastern Baghdad.

The cardinal's message was straightforward

We pray today for the sake of each other and to forgive each other, as well to be directed to do good deeds.

In an important display of Iraqi unity, the cardinal was joined in celebration after Mass by Imam Jassim al-Jazari, who added his congratulations for the cardinal.

Pax tecum.
Et cum spiritu tuo.