Joseph Mahmoud

After fleeing the Islamic state, some 2,000 Muslim families receive aid and donations. Such a "fraternal initiative" shows " in a concrete way the solidarity of Christians,” Mar Sako said. For Muslim leaders, the deed rebuilds "trust between communities." The ‘Adopt a Christian from Mosul’ campaign by AsiaNews now benefits non-Christians as well.

Prime Minister al-Abadi received Mar Sako in government buildings, expressing "appreciation" for the role of Christians and calling on the minority to remain despite "difficulties". The Patriarch urges the government to work to rebuild trust. He adds: "The Pope in Iraq, a source of renewed hope." A video of the destruction Nimrud by the Islamic State.

Mar Sako is happy with the Synod's activities, which underscored its members' "unity" and "communion". Noting his "deep regret" for the absence of a rebellious bishop, he expressed solidarity with families living in shelters, and asked for new aid from Baghdad and Erbil. A "Friday of Martyrs" will commemorate the Ottomans' massacre of Assyrians and Chaldeans in 1915.

On the sidelines of the Synod, underway today in Baghdad, Msgr. Nona states that reports that the church was burned to the ground "are not true." Alleged killing of priest also unfounded. No Christians left in the area after the Islamists seizure of power.

Attacked back in June, the historic building is now a mound of rubbles. In the capital, the Chaldean Church welcomes two new bishops, but the focus will be on its upcoming Synod and the issue of a rebellious US diocese. In Zakho, a thousand faithful attended the ordination of 5 deacons and 12 sub-deacons. For Mgr Rabban, it was a day of celebration for the community.

In an official statement the Iraqi Church leader rejects the recent rumors. There are no Christians left in the Islamic State stronghold; no priest is currently in the hands of jihadists. The Patriarchate asks for prudence: by reporting fabricated news stories, which frighten Christians and the West, you are "playing the Jihadists game".

Speaking at a conference held as part of a government-sponsored 'Week of harmony between different religions', Mar Sako called for a stop to funding to terrorism and an end to the culture of violence. He also called for an end to the criminal use of religion. Meanwhile, in Mosul, the Islamic State set up a market for goods stolen from Christians. Last month, almost 800 civilians lost their life.

Mar Sako calls on "our brother" Muslims, to be the "first" to reject "all forms" of discrimination and violence. He points the finger at those who use religion to gain power. He invites the faithful of Islam to be promoters of a project of inter-religious peace and harmony, starting from an "open and enlightened" revision of the sacred and historical texts.

Ahead of Christmas celebrations, Mar Sako issued a message to the Christian community that fled the Islamic state. Understandably, Christians are "concerned" about the loss of homes and jobs, but they should keep the "hope for a future of "peace and coexistence" alive. His Beatitude calls on the faithful to pray to keep courage alive and expressed gratitude for the help provided so far.

Mar Louis Sako calls on the faithful not to celebrate Christmas and New Year in a "worldly" fashion, with pomp and abundance, out of solidarity with the people who fled the Nineveh plains, persecuted by the Islamic Army. AsiaNews is joining the fast proposed by the Patriarch and calls on all readers to give what they would have otherwise spent in support of the campaign 'Adopt a Christian from Mosul'.

Salim al-Jubouri met Mar Sako and expresses solidarity and closeness to the Christian victims of violence. Sources of the Chaldean Patriarchate speak of "historic visit" that instills "new confidence". The Church asks Christmas be recognized as a "national holiday". New violence in Baghdad, five people dead and 20 wounded in a series of attacks.

These are the objectives that emerged from the emergency meeting of Catholic leaders in Iraq. The patriarch and the bishops would like to thank Pope Francis and the Holy See for its proximity and material aid. Essential to continue the housing program, to protect families from the cold and rain. The call to "live the commandment of love" in a moment of "trial".