Uncommon decency

In a world in which toxic exchanges grab global headlines, two unlikely ancient adversaries have shone a light on the alternative approach: mutual tolerance and continued dialogue.

Catholicism’s leader, Pope Francis, has risked his life, not least from coronavirus, by venturing into a stronghold of militant Islamism, Iraq. His mission was neither to convert nor denounce but to acknowledge differences in the hope of building new bridges.

In return, Iraq