Pope Francis’ recent visit to the Iraqi the cities of Baghdad, Najaf, Ur, Mosul, Qaraqosh and Erbil has witnessed various interpretations. The ancient land of Mesopotamia is the birthplace of Abraham, the famous father of the three monotheistic religions. The Iraqi region which has seen unprecedented ethno-sectarian conflicts in the last two decades is home to the oldest Christian sects in the world. Alongside other ethnic sects like Arab Sunnis, Yazidis, Kurds and Shiites, the Christian minority suffered great persecution.
With an atmosphere of religious extremism and intolerance, Christians in Iraq have paid the supreme price. With Churches decorated by bullet holes and bomb-rubbles, the Christian- remnant lives in fear and intimidation. While congregations were attacked and clerics kidnapped or killed, life in the region is a replica of the days of early Christian persecution. Therefore, it was a big deal for the Catholic Pontiff to visit and bring a clear message of peace, for