Assyrian Christian leader laments ongoing discrimination against community in Iraq
Issued on: PERSPECTIVE © FRANCE 24 8 min Back in 2003, there were around 1.4 million Christians living in Iraq. Now, almost two decades on, following the US-led invasion and the Islamic State group s targeted persecution of the country s Christian minority, only around 250,000 remain. As Pope Francis begins a historic three-day trip to the country, we discuss Iraqi Christians’ uncertain future with Emanuel Youkhana, an Iraqi priest of the Assyrian Church of the East.
Pope Francis to begin historic Iraq visit despite virus and security risks
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By Cindy Wooden
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing security concerns, Pope Francis is determined to visit Iraq to pay homage to Christian and other minorities persecuted for their faith and to strengthen the commitment of the overwhelming majority of Iraqi Muslims to creating a future of peace and harmony.
As a pilgrim March 5-8, he will visit churches that were destroyed by militants of the Islamic State group, and as a global religious leader, he will hold an interreligious meeting near the ancient city of Ur, birthplace of Abraham.
“Pope Francis is truly a father because he really wants all human beings to be united not only Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants but he is broadening his embrace to include the Islamic world,” said Shahrzad Houshmand Zadeh, a Shiite Muslim theologian who has taught at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
U.S. Congressman calls papal visit to Iraq ‘miraculous’
Mar 5, 2021 senior correspondent
U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska holds the Arabic symbol used by Islamic State terrorists to identify Christians during a press conference about the plight of Middle Eastern Christians at the Press Club in Washington Sept. 9, 2014. (Credit: CNS.)
As Pope Francis sets off for Iraq, one US Congressman has called the trip miraculous , voicing hope that it will improve life for the country s Christians.
ROME – As Pope Francis sets off for Iraq, a panel of experts have praised the trip as both courageous and a strong sign of support to the country’s Christians, voicing hope that his visit will help foster a stronger sense of national unity, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi receiving Pope Francis upon his arrival in the capital Baghdad.
Photo: AFP
The pontiff is making his first international trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Covid and security fears have made this his riskiest visit yet, but the 84-year-old insisted he was duty bound .
He also said Iraq s dwindling Christian community should have a more prominent role as citizens with full rights, freedoms and responsibilities.
He is hoping to foster inter-religious dialogue - meeting Iraq s most revered Shia Muslim cleric - and will celebrate Mass at a stadium in Irbil in the north.
About 10,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel are being deployed to protect the Pope, while round-the-clock curfews are also being imposed to limit the spread of Covid.
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