Reportedly Pope Francis is visiting Slovakia in his first international trip since an operation in March. He is said to have recovered but cannot stand for long periods of time. According to reports his last visit was to Iraq where he met Ayatolla Sistani.
Reportedly born in Iran, Ayatolla Sistani has been living in Iraq since 1951 where he studied theology and jurisprudence. As a school of thought shia Islam is believed to be more independent. He is said to have been a peaceful envoy in conflicts between shias and sunnis.
Following the u.s. invasion Sistani and his followers reportedly petitioned occupying forces for a constitutional convention and called for a democratic vote from the people to form a government. In 2004 he travelled to London for medical treatment. On return he took part in a truce between Muqrada al Sadre, a shia scholar, politician and military leader and the u.s. and allies.
Reportedly Ayatolla Sistani is rarely seen in public except a few short videos, but he does not say anything.