I’ve called our attention often to Paul’s command to pray for our leaders:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2.1, 2, ESV)

Recently, I got new insight into “all who are in high positions.” The Pope visited Iraq earlier this month, and his primary objective was the peace and security of Iraqi Christians – read, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life…” Hence, this historic meeting with Iraq’s top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

When I think “all who are in high positions,” I think our president, members of Congress, the Supreme Court, governors, and leaders of other countries. But now, I’m thinking religious leaders as well. They command enormous influence, sometimes to the detriment of people who follow a religion different from theirs.

According to World Magazine, the result was positive:

In a statement issued by his office afterward, al-Sistani said Christians should “live like all Iraqis, in security and peace and with full constitutional rights.” – World Magazine, posted March 6, 2021

You can get more perspective on the visit in this article from Breakpoint.

My prayer list just got longer.

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. (1 Timothy 2.8, ESV)

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6.18, ESV)

May your Kingdom manifest on earth. (Luke 11.2, TPT)