The National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence is observed in Iraq every March 6. This public holiday was established in 2021 to commemorate the historic meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani during the Pope's visit to Iraq. The day aims to encourage Iraqi Christians to return home after years of persecution and to promote the peaceful coexistence of various religions in the country. Iraq is home to significant religious sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including the ancient city of Ur, regarded as the birthplace of Abraham. The meeting between the two religious leaders resulted in a joint statement condemning religious extremism, highlighting the importance of interfaith dialogue. The holiday underscores Iraq's diverse religious landscape, where approximately 95% of the population are Muslims and about 3% are Christians, including various denominations.