Joseph Mahmoud

Two days ago, Iraq recorded 2567 deaths and over 62275 cases of infection, mostly in Baghdad. In June, there was a 600% increase in cases of infection. Shortage of health facilities and personnel: in the country of 39 million inhabitants, there are 1.4 hospital beds for every 1000 inhabitants; 0.7 doctors per 1000 inhabitants and 500 ventilators for intensive care. During the coronavirus epidemic, poverty rose from 22% to 34%.

The Primate of the Chaldean Church celebrated the return of the first Christian family to one of the towns seized by the Islamic State. The goal is to enable many more families in displaced people’s camps to go home. Peace and security are needed to bring life to coexistence and unity in the area.

The Chaldean Patriarch welcomes the inclusion of three archaeological sites and four natural areas among World Heritage Sites. Part of the new sites are located in the site of the biblical Garden of Eden. Sako appeals to institutions: to protect this patrimony we need "peace and stability."

Christian, Muslim, Yazidi and Sabean leaders took part in prayer promoted by the Chaldean Patriarchate. Shia leader Ali Al-Yacoubi thanked "our Christians brothers” for their work. Despite "having suffered lot", they still promote "unity." He called for joint response "against any deed or act of terrorism.”

Baghdad’s Queen of the Rosary Church will host an interfaith prayer against violence and terrorism next Monday. The Chaldean Patriarch launched the initiative, reiterating there are no military options but prayer against conflicts affecting "innocent people". He also urged Muslims to think about renewing their way of thinking and culture.

At least 350 young people take part in a meeting with the leader of the Chaldean Church. His Beatitude mentioned the consecrated life as a choice, urging young people to respond to the need of those who suffer. The Patriarchate slammed trafficking in Christian refugees, called for the liberation of jihadi-controlled areas to allow the return of displaced people.

At the end of a meeting in Erbil, Iraqi prelates call for a plural and pluralistic Iraq. Patriarch Sako and the Chaldean bishops praised the recent military victories against the Islamic State group, hopeful that this might be a prelude to Christians going back to their homes. A the same time, they called for urgent economic action to create jobs and fight poverty. They also expressed concern over financial and political corruption.

In Mosul, the jihadists posted signs that prohibit Muslims from celebrating Christmas, branding Christians as "heretics." In Kirkuk extremist groups desecrate two cemeteries. But the Christian community claims the right and the desire to celebrate the holiday. Christian lawmaker denounces decimation of the community.

The Iraqi parliament begins process to change the controversial bill, accepting the objections of Christians and other minorities. An act of "justice" and "equality" that equates all citizens. Mar Sako: This is an "important message" and a "test of our democracy".

In his address to international conference on the persecuted minorities in Paris, Mar Sako spoke about the visible and invisible walls that underlie the jihadi ideology. Peace is possible, but a ground intervention might be needed to defeat the extremists. Work and justice for all are needed to rebuild the region.

In a letter to Iraq’s highest authorities, Mar Sako calls for a government that represents all of the country’s components. He notes that reforms currently discussed should be wisely vetted before they are approved. Politicians should possess “high integrity and professionalism”. Ethnic and sectarian militias should be incorporated into the regular police and armed forces.

A few days ago, a Chaldean delegation visited Turkey, where they met the faithful and high-ranking religious and political officials. Patriarch Sako stressed the importance of Christian unity, the only source of strength and salvation. He also visited Diyarbakir cathedral and Zafaran Monastery.