Joseph Mahmoud

Visiting refugee camps in Erbil and Dohok, Mar Sako speaks of a situation "beyond all imagination". He appeals to the international community and the Muslim world "that have not yet understood the gravity of the situation." The militiamen kidnap a Christian girl of three years, two men die from hunger. Baghdad and Tehran work on a joint plan of action.

President Masum names Iraq's deputy parliamentary speaker as the new prime minister, a decision approved by the White House and the United Nations. However, outgoing Prime Minister al Maliki says he will resist the move. In Najaf the Chaldean patriarch and Iraq's highest Shia religious leader meet. Both are committed to Iraq's national unity, territorial integrity and all its components.

ISIS militiamen have attacked predominantly Christian towns, including Qaraqosh, the most important Christian city in the north. Mar Sako makes an appeal, speaks of "a real risk genocide." As Churches are desecrated, ancient manuscripts are destroyed. The "power vacuum" in Baghdad is helping Islamist expansionist ambitions.

At a tragic moment in the country's history, members of the two religions meet at Saint George Church for a joint prayer. They agree that "There is no Iraq without Christians". Mar Sako noted Christian suffering, especially in Mosul, and called on ordinary Iraqis to stand together in a show of solidarity. "We need actions" from Muslim leaders.

Dozens of Christian families fled the town north of Mosul, conquered over the weekend by ISIS. At least 70 members of the Muslim minority killed in the assault; Christians were forced to pay 80 dollars each, the cross removed from the church. The Islamists bombed the village of Telkef, killing a young Christian. Kurdish leaders order a counter-offensive, Baghdad offers air support.

Mar Raphael Louis Sako issues a message for the feast of the Transfiguration, which is also World Day of Prayer for Iraq. His Beatitude focuses on Pope Francis' call for "brotherhood" to transform "hearts and minds". As young people in Baghdad pray for Mosul, ISIS continues its advance in the North. UN sources report that July was a "tragic month" in terms of dead and wounded. Mar Sako offers prayer for peace.

The Synod will run June 24 to 28 and will analyze the situation of the Chaldean dioceses in Iraq and among the countries of the Diaspora. Among other issues, the choice of pastors for the vacant sees, strengthening the presence of the laity and the creation of a Chaldean League. A special prayer to be recited at the end of Masses in preparation for the Synod.

Mar Sako makes a pastoral visit to the diocese of Alqosh, on the northern end of the plain. His Beatitude meets with the local clergy, presides at a Eucharistic procession and discusses the situation in the Chaldean villages. He notes the "sufferings" and calls for "cooperation , participation and concrete measures" to boost the presence of the local Church .

Mar Sako highlights high voter turnout in a festive atmosphere, as well as the presence of about a hundred Christians and 80 women among those running for office. He hopes the poll will lead to "reconciliation and stability." Outgoing Prime Minister al-Maliki is expected to win although questions remain about the size of his victory and the forming of a new government.

Mar Sako visited a residential facility in the Iraqi capital that caters to people with severe disabilities. His Beatitude performed the traditional rite of 'Washing of the Feet' on 12 people, including two Muslim women. "Easter is for you," he told the disabled residents. After the service, he offered them a meal, as a token of closeness and sharing.

The patriarch emeritus dies at the age of 87 years, after leading the Chaldean Patriarchate in one of Iraq's most difficult periods. Mar Sako remembers how "he was able to encourage the community and remained faithful to its mission." A memorial Mass will be celebrated In Baghdad, whilst the funeral might take place in the United States.

According to recent study, the Iraqi capital is the "worst" city in the world. Archbishop Hanna Saad Sirop describes a reality of "poverty, misery, insecurity and violence." The decline is "our fault and that of the world." Religion "failed to give unity." To start again, we need "education and training".