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26 aprile 2024

Renovation of Old St. George Church in Bartella


In Bartella, Iraq, work was completed to restore the ancient Mar Guorguis church. Archbishop Hano, the Syriac Catholic ordinary of Mosul, inaugurated it on April 23, St. George's Day.
The so-called Islamic State had spared the church, but its condition had significantly deteriorated. Fr. Benham Benoka led restoration efforts to return it to its 1850 state.
The new Mar Guorguis church, built next door in 1934, was renovated in 2019, after ISIS set it ablaze.

20 aprile 2024

Prime Minister: The state is a protector of the rich diversity of Iraq


Photo INA






















Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani confirmed today, Friday, that the state is a protector of the rich diversity of Iraq.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani met at dawn today, Friday (Baghdad time), with a number of members the Iraqi community, who met at the Iraqi Chaldean Center in Detroit, Michigan, USA.”
“Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government's pride in all members of Iraqi communities everywhere, with their affiliation to their homeland, Iraq, across all spectrums, and with the initiatives they offer in order to build the state, which prompts the government to communicate more with the community, especially since it carries many human competencies, capabilities and potentials, in various scientific and humanitarian Specialties.”
Al-Sudani pointed out, according to the statement, that “growth in Iraq is proceeding to achieve the priorities identified by the government in its program, many of which were achieved within a year and a half of the government’s life, in addition to adhering to the democratic system and the principles of freedoms and human rights that are protected by the constitution in many of its articles.”
"In his speech, Al-Sudani touched on the victory of the Iraqis over ISIS gangs, and the growing capabilities of our armed forces of all kinds, which was based on the cohesion of the Iraqi people despite all the failed attempts of terrorism to incite hatred among Iraqis, and he reaffirmed respect for the authentic Christian component within Iraqi society, and that the state is the protector of this rich diversity in Iraq, and is committed to supporting brotherhood, tolerance, coexistence, and everything that instills security and stability for the people of Mesopotamia in all parts of Iraq.”
"Al-Sudani toured the center and viewed its permanent exhibition, which reflects the cultural, heritage, and civilization features of the Christian component in Mesopotamia. He also met a number of Iraqi families living abroad."

* For the Chaldean church: Msgr. Francis Kalabat (East USA) Diocese of  St. Thomas the Apostle and Msgr. Emanuel Hana Shaleta (West USA) Diocese of St. Peter the Apostle.  
* Note by Baghdadhope

16 aprile 2024

Card. Sako: Iraq 'overwhelmed' by 'absurd' conflict between Israel and Iran

Dario Salvi

The "fear" that Iraq too could be "overwhelmed" by an all-out conflict between Israel and Iran is "strong" not only because of the repercussions on a regional and global scale, but for the country's own internal balance. There are in fact "militias that do not obey the prime minister", furthermore "our territory can be the object of Israeli attacks against Iranian targets" or be used by Tehran "as a launching base to strike Israel".
The Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans, Card. Louis Raphael Sako, who watched with attention - and more than one fear - the massive drone and missile operation from the Islamic Republic towards the Jewish State on the night of 13-14 April. Hence the call, in this interview with AsiaNews on his return to Erbil after a few days in the capital interrupting a forced - and self-imposed - exile of many months, for "international mediation". Only in this way, he warns, will it be possible to 'ease the escalation and a crisis with devastating consequences'.

"Absurd wars"
In the most agitated stages of the Iranian attack on Israel, retaliation to the raid on Tehran's embassy in Damascus in which several elements of the Pasdaran died including General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, dozens of drones (and missiles) flew over Iraqi airspace.
In their trajectory towards the Jewish State, they passed through the southern provinces of Maysan and Al-Nasiriyah, as well as the northern area in Kurdistan, particularly Erbil, Sulaymaniyya and Dohuk.
In response, the government - as in neighbouring Lebanon and Jordan - ordered the closure of airspace on a temporary and precautionary basis, then traffic resumed regularly over the next few hours, although attention remained high.
"What is happening between Israel and Iran, but also that between Russia and Ukraine - underlines the Chaldean Primate - are all absurd wars, there is no sense. Even in the Holy Land, in Gaza, there are already over 33,000 dead, a carnage'.
The parties involved, he continues, must "respect international law" bearing in mind that these victims "are not objects, but people: this is a massacre that also involves infrastructure, homes, schools and hospitals".
Card. Sako has experienced first-hand wars from the one between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s to the two conflicts in the Gulf, confessional violence and the rise of the Islamic State just to mention the most significant events. In 50 years as priest, bishop and then patriarch, he has seen innocent blood spilled, personally spending himself for peace, dialogue, the silent work of diplomacy in the face of the din of weapons.
"I called the seminarians," he recounts, "the night of the attack to tell them not to be afraid" and that, in the institute in Ankawa, "we set up a large room as a refuge". "I hope," he continues, "in the face of the prospect of an escalation between Israel and Iran that threatens to engulf the Middle East and the entire world in the clash of opposing alliances, that regional [and global] leaders will be guided by wisdom and prudence. The priority must be to avert a widening of the war, which is in the interest of neither Israel, nor Iran, nor any regional actor. Everyone loses in this war'.

A weak and divided West
In the meantime, international diplomacy is moving in an attempt to contain a military drift with disastrous consequences, with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani himself involved, who has arrived in Washington in the last few hours to meet US President Joe Biden.
At the centre of the discussion is a series of issues ranging from the Iranian attack to the laborious search for regional stability, from economic cooperation between the United States and Iraq to the further deployment of troops for defensive purposes.
For the Iraqi government, however, the priorities remain energy and bilateral trade to revive the economy of a country that still seems to be marking time, with the Baghdad executive engaged in the delicate balance between the West and Tehran.
Analysts and experts recall how the escalation represents a significant security challenge for the Middle East, with potential ramifications on various fronts that risk being "indirectly involved" in the game between the Jewish State - which has sworn revenge - and the ayatollahs. And Iraq is one of the nations on the front line, along with Jordan and Lebanon, in facing dangers and complexities.

The return to Baghdad
In a context of uncertainty, war and tensions, it is a source of great joy to return to Baghdad last week after more than nine months of voluntary exile due to the clash with the president of the Republic over the withdrawal of the presidential decree. "It was very good to return," the cardinal says, "after having carried out this peaceful but firm battle based on justice. The Christians celebrated, everyone was very happy, but the most beautiful thing was seeing the cathedral packed with the faithful and full of flowers, chocolates, hallelujah songs, sweets.
Many Muslims were also present, authorities and ordinary citizens, men and women, as a sign of a symbolic unity that has a profound value. This means,' he warns, 'that the Iraqis are united, while the problem is in the political class'.
From this "firm and peaceful" protest [concepts that he reiterates repeatedly and forcefully] it emerges that the Church "must not be afraid, while here at home there are some bishops or priests who are sometimes fearful or are lured by those who promise them power or money". "We must be transparent," he warns, "all the more so because we are consecrated, leaving earthly goods aside, otherwise we end up losing our credibility".
Critical elements remain, such as the latent division between some Christian denominations and the position of the apostolic nuncio "who defended the State and not the Church". However, the gaze and the commitment of the Chaldean Patriarch - who has returned to Erbil for a few days to finish some pending work - are projected to the future: "I am waiting for the decree to be officially reinstated," he concludes, "and then I will make a permanent return to Baghdad. And as a first initiative, I would like to promote an interfaith prayer for peace with Muslim leaders and political leaders, with everyone!".

11 aprile 2024

Iraqi PM welcomes Patriarch Sako in Baghdad, affirms Christians' historical role


Photo shafaq.com
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani emphasized the historical significance of the Christian component in the construction and fortification of the Iraqi state.
According to the PM’s media office, “On Thursday morning, PM Al-Sudani welcomed His Beatitude Mar Louis Raphael I Sako, the Patriarch of the Chaldeans in Iraq and the world, along with his delegation.”
“The meeting focused on the general conditions in Iraq and the prevailing stability throughout the country, which has facilitated the government's progress in implementing its program priorities and applying its future vision for a strong and prosperous Iraq.”
As per the statement, “Al-Sudani expressed his pleasure at the Patriarch's return to Baghdad and emphasized the importance of his presence and role, affirming the government's commitment to fostering coexistence among all segments of Iraqi society. This commitment to the principles of citizenship, which is key to progress, prosperity, and improving the social reality for all Iraqis, has been affirmed in the government's program.”
“The Prime Minister also highlighted the historic role of the Iraqi Christian component and its contribution to the building of the state and strengthening its foundations, asserting that the country's strength and distinction come from its diverse components living under the grand tent of Iraq. He assured his support to issues concerning the Christian component and all other national components.”
For his part, his Beatitude the Patriarch expressed his “best wishes to the Prime Minister on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and stressed the importance of exerting further efforts to enable the government to fulfill its duties towards the Iraqi people, improving their living conditions, meeting their full needs and requirements, as well as addressing the issues of minorities and securing their rights.”
Earlier today, Patriarch Louis Sako announced his return to his headquarters in Baghdad upon a personal invitation from Prime Minister Al-Sudani.
The church stated, "Upon a personal invitation from the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, accompanied by Bishop Thomas Mirm, arrived (Wednesday evening) in Baghdad."
The statement added that "representatives of the Prime Minister (Hazem Wattan) welcomed his Beatitude at Baghdad International Airport at the VIP lounge, after which he headed to his headquarters at the Patriarchate in Al-Mansour, accompanied by the Chaldean Church's prayers."
In July 2023, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid issued a republican decree in which he decided to withdraw republican decree number 147 for the year 2013, which is about the accreditation of Patriarch Sako in Iraq.
Republican decree number 31 was published in Iraq's formal newspaper Al-Waqaei Al-Iraqiya, edition 4727, on 3 July; hence the decree has been officially put into practice. On 7 July, Rashid clarified that he had decided to annul special presidential decree 147 for 2013, describing it as "illegal and unconstitutional".
The Republican decree had been withdrawn from Cardinal Louis Sako in response to the request made by Rayan al-Kaldani, the leader of the Babylon faction affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces.
The step has sparked anger among Iraqi Christians.
Rashid also said that canceling the presidential decree does not affect the legal and religious status of Sako as he has been appointed as the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq by the Vatican Pope.

The United States criticized the decision.
"I will say we are disturbed by the harassment of Cardinal Sako ... and troubled by the news that he has left Baghdad," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told a press briefing.
"We look forward to his safe return. The Iraqi Christian community is a vital part of Iraq's identity and a central part of Iraq's history of diversity and tolerance," Miller said.
The Chargé d'Affairs of the Vatican Embassy in Iraq criticized the decree, citing the lack of a constitutional or legal basis for its issuance.
Following Miller's comments on the decision, the Iraqi Presidency expressed disappointment by the accusations aimed at the Iraqi Government and the Presidency and summoned the US Ambassador in Baghdad.
The Iraqi decision follows a statement by Sako against Rayan al-Kaldani, leader of the Babylon Party.
Sako accused al-Kaldani of purloining properties from Christians in Baghdad, Nineveh, and the Nineveh Plain.
The clergyman said al-Kaldani "is endeavoring to co-opt Christian clergy with the aid of a woman he appointed to a ministerial post," alluding to Migration Minister Evan Faiq.
Sako questioned al-Kaldani's credentials, asserting that he is bereft of the capacity to lead the Christian community and aspires to dominate Christianity in Iraq.
The patriarch said al-Kaldani has usurped the Christian quota in the recent election, which designates five seats for minority Christians. In a trenchant critique, Sako censured the Babylon Movement and al-Kaldani for brandishing images of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the cross during political gatherings.
"Parading them in the streets and politics is inappropriate, for we are not engaged in a crusade."

Il patriarca Sako interrompe l’esilio e torna a Baghdad, incontri con le autorità


Foto Patriarcato caldeo
Giornata di festa per i cristiani iracheni e, in particolare, per la comunità caldea della capitale: nella tarda serata di ieri si è concluso, almeno per il momento, l’esilio che si era auto-imposto il patriarca caldeo, card. Louis Raphael Sako, il quale aveva lasciato la sede patriarcale di Baghdad a luglio per trasferirsi in via temporanea - ma senza una data certa - a Erbil, nel Kurdistan iracheno. Una decisione improvvisa, quanto clamorosa, legata alla controversa disposizione del capo dello Stato Abdul Latif Rashid di ritirare il decreto presidenziale emanato dal predecessore e che gli conferiva l’autorità - anche e soprattutto sul piano giuridico - di patriarca.
Il riferimento è al Decreto 147 firmato il 10 luglio 2013 da Jalal Talabani, equiparabile a una sorta di “riconoscimento istituzionale” della carica di primate; esso sanciva la nomina pontificia del porporato a capo della Chiesa caldea “in Iraq e nel mondo”, oltre ad essere anche “responsabile dei beni della Chiesa”.
Ed è proprio su questo punto, come spiegava nei mesi scorsi una fonte ecclesiastica in Iraq ad AsiaNews, che si giocava l’intera vicenda: il controllo dei beni e delle proprietà dei cristiani e della Chiesa finite nel mirino del sedicente leader cristiano Rayan il Caldeo e delle sue milizie collegate all’Iran e attive nella piana di Ninive.
Denunciando campagna “deliberata e umiliante”, il cardinale aveva trasferito in via temporanea la sede patriarcale dalla capitale a Erbil; una protesta clamorosa verso una decisione che riguarda “la sola Chiesa caldea” ed è “questa la questione di fondo” come denunciava lo stesso porporato. Il provvedimento del presidente Rashid ne minava il ruolo e l’autorità, sconfessando una tradizione secolare per colpire la massima autorità cattolica locale, che è anche responsabile della gestione del patrimonio e dei beni ecclesiastici. Un lotta di potere guidata da Rayan e i suoi miliziani - una galassia variegata che comprende sciiti, cristiani, sunniti - e che rappresenta una minaccia per la pace e la convivenza. Lo stesso sedicente leader si mostrato in foto e video con papa Francesco al termine di un’udienza generale del mercoledì e usando l’immagine del pontefice sui propri canali social per rivendicare una inesistente autorità morale e religiosa.
In una intervista ad AsiaNews nelle scorse settimane, il card. Sako aveva bollato il ritiro del decreto un “assassinio morale” e il trasferimento della sede patriarcale a Erbil una “protesta estrema”, ipotizzando anche il boicottaggio delle elezioni.
“A Baghdad - aveva affermato - farò ritorno solo quando verrà ritirato il decreto. La nostra Chiesa molto ha dato all’Iraq, dalla visita del papa agli aiuti umanitari ai musulmani ai tempi dell’Isis, anche maggiori rispetto a quelli riservati ai cristiani. Oggi, il ringraziamento delle istituzioni è quello di punire il patriarca e un’intera comunità”. Il porporato non aveva risparmiato critiche anche al “silenzio” di Roma sulla vicenda, anche se la diplomazia vaticana aveva affermato di seguire con attenzione la vicenda e di lavorare da dietro le quinte per trovare una “soluzione” alla controversia per “il bene” della comunità cristiana irachena.
Nelle ultime ore la svolta, con il ritorno a Baghdad accompagnato da mons. Thomas Meram e ricevuto al suo arrivo in aeroporto nella sala d’onore del primo ministro, poi il trasferimento nella sede patriarcale con un convoglio di auto.
Qui, ad accoglierlo, vi erano l’ausiliare di Baghdad mons. Basilio Yaldo, mons. Shlemon Warduni, i sacerdoti e il personale della sede, poi sono seguiti alcuni incontri continuati in mattinata con diverse autorità. Nel frattempo la notizia è rimbalzata in rete, con commenti entusiasti di centinaia di cattolici iracheni, molti dei quali sulle pagine social del patriarcato: “Sei il simbolo della nostra Chiesa” scrive Yousif Awnie Khadoor; “grazie a Dio è tornato sano e salvo nella sua sede” aggiunge Raeed Aessa, mentre Manhal Alsanati sottolinea i sentimenti di “orgoglio e gratitudine” con cui “diamo il bentornato a casa. Un ritorno che rafforza lo spirito di appartenenza e unità”; “Vi ringraziamo per le posizioni prese e gli sforzi che fate per la Chiesa e i fedeli” afferma Adnan A. Mansor Koro, mentre Amanj Nissan chiosa: “Dio apre una porta per risolvere tutte le questioni stagnanti, e l’acqua torna al suo corso naturale”.
Soddisfazione, infine, viene espressa anche da rappresentanti del panorama politico e istituzionale iracheno fra i quali l’ayatollah Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, leader dell’Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq. In un messaggio sui social il leader sciita afferma: “Siamo molto soddisfatti del ritorno“ del patriarca e “mentre lo accogliamo, speriamo che tutte le differenze in sospeso siano risolte” ed esprimendo al contempo “il nostro grande orgoglio per le famiglie cristiane” che completano il mosaico iracheno.