p. Albert Zarazeer

This is the thrust of the paper that marked the end of the meeting held in Baghdad on 5-10 June. The Fathers call for the creation of a "competent" Christian political class, urging the faithful to be "a bridge between cultures." The Synod also stressed the importance of the ecumenical movement and calls for an "honest dialogue" with the Assyrian Church of the East. It issues special thanks to Pope Francis.

His Beatitude brought together political and religious leaders to revive the peace process; among them, Prime Minister al-Maliki, who thanked the Patriarch Sako and the Christian community, for their role as an essential "bridge" between faiths and cultures. The meeting took place at the conclusion of the Synod of the Chaldean Church.

A special celebration in Baghdad's St George Catholic Church highlighted the name day of the pontiff and the apostolic nuncio in Iraq. Bishop Lingua urged priests to "bring Christ to others." Patriarch Sako insists on "the importance of vocations." Pax Christi France expressed its closeness to Iraqi Christians.

His Beatitude on a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad, scene of a bloody attack in October 2010. He emphasizes the symbolic value of the relics of the martyrs, as "precious faith-strengthening treasures". Their blood is a "seed of new life." Appeal to the community, to overcome their fear and walk towards "peace and prosperity".