Speaking with reporters on his return trip from Iraq on March 8, Pope Francis said that he realized some Catholics think he is “one step away from heresy” in his statements on inter-religious harmony. But he said he feels a “restless for fraternity” with non-Christians, and always prays before issuing such statements. The Pope praised Ayatollah al-Sistani as “a beacon,” adding that “wise men are everywhere because God’s wisdom has been scattered all over the world.”