New York, March 6 -- The visit by Pope Francis to the northern Iraqi city of Mosul at the weekend will be a symbol of hope and an opportunity to join forces for peace and unity, the UN cultural agency, UNESCO, said on Thursday, ahead of his touchdown in the capital, Baghdad.

The Pope's arrival in the Christian northern heartland, will come as a "message of peace and unity supported on a pillar of diversity", UNESCO said.

"This message is at the core of our mandate, where inclusion and diversity are critical to understanding, mutual respect, and ultimately a more peaceful and just world", it added.

Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday, and is expected to travel to Mosul on Sunday, where, according to media reports, he will pray for th...