The Derry-born Primate of All-Ireland is to lead a delegation of Irish bishops in a visit to Iraq as a gesture of solidarity with persecuted Christians in the Middle East.
The move was announced by the hierarchy at the close of its summer general meeting in Maynooth at which the plight of persecuted Christians was one of the top issues discussed over the three-day meeting.
Archbishop Eamon Martin (pictured) will head the delegation that will visit the city of Erbil next November.
Erbil is in the Kurdistan region which is now home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, mostly Christians and Yazidis, who were forced to flee from their homes in northern Iraq as a result of war.
The visit will be hosted by Archbishop Warda of Erbil.
The delegation will also meet with UN representatives as well as with other agencies responding to the crisis in the region.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.