Never over all the years that I have visited this country have I seen Iraq in such miserable state as I saw it last month. During the eight years of brutal fighting with Iran, Iraqi media officials kept views of their people’s pain and suffering confined to hospitals and graveyards. Today, after nine years of UN sanctions, the misery is no longer hidden.

Help could be on the way. Last week, Iraqi and Vatican officials confirmed plans for Pope John Paul II to descend the steps of his plane at Saddam International Airport.