Iraq

Elected by the synod underway in Rome after the resignation on 10 March of his predecessor, Louis Sako, the new primate chose the name Paul III. The 58-year-old, originally from Alqosh, led the community in Mosul during difficult years and accompanied the communities in exile after the Islamic State takeover. He must now implement the mandate of unity among Iraqi Catholics Leo XIV entrusted to the synod.

The bishops will meet between 9 and 15 April to choose a new patriarch. The former head will not participate nor vote so as not to "influence" the decision. This ancient Eastern Church, rooted in Mesopotamia, is currently experiencing a period of difficulty due to the exodus and war. The challenges of the last decade include the Islamic State group and the revocation of the presidential decree.

While the world’s attention is focused on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, there is another vital “economic resource” that the war is seriously jeopardizing: the labor of nearly 40 million foreign workers, who make up the majority of the population in many local cities. A prolonged crisis, with a massive wave of returns, would also have serious consequences for the countries of origin in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other Arab nations.

Yesterday, the Chaldean primate submitted his resignation to Pope Leo. The decision was made official today in a statement from the Vatican Press Office. In his message, the cardinal remembered that he “led the Chaldean Church under extremely difficult circumstances and amid great challenges.” Also today, the Metropolitan of Lahore and the Apostolic Vicar of Quetta were appointed in Pakistan, with the two outgoing prelates exchanging sees.

Speaking to AsiaNews, the Chaldean prelate described a situation on hold, with schools and universities closed amidst great instability. Iraqi Kurdistan is once again impacted by foreign wars. People are concerned about the future and are trying to avoid being dragged into the conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran. Christians pray for peace, remember Francis’s visit to Iraq, and receive support from Pope Leo XIV.

The chapel and ecclesiastical buildings of the archbishopric in Erbil hit by missiles and drones. Chaldean woman in Baghdad arrested for celebrating Khamenei's killing, faces four years in prison. Iraqi scholar tells AsiaNews: the country risks becoming an arena for external powers to “settle scores”. Institutional crisis fuels fears, emergency government needed.

Tensions have been triggered by the new map presented to the UN by Baghdad, which redefines sovereignty in a disputed area. Two strategic areas (Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A'aij) over which Kuwait exercises sovereignty are in the spotlight. At stake are economic, historical and social issues, as well as the definition of strategic trade corridors.

Sayyid Rahim Abu Ragheef rejects al-Maliki's candidacy, calling it ‘reckless’ and “irresponsible” in a theatre of internal and regional crisis. Tensions between Iran and the United States and the political stalemate blocking the election of the president are cause for concern. Citizenship and the protection of minorities are the foundation of the nation. ‘Responsibility’ is needed in relations with Tehran.

The cardinal spoke to AsiaNews with "sadness” and great concern" about the country's political divisions and renewed tensions in the region. He also expressed apprehension over the return of al-Maliki, a possibility rejected by the United States. Christians are fearful of economic and social problems, and the lack of security and prospects.

Kata’ib Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian Shia militia, is threatening “total war" after the US sent an aircraft carrier to the Middle East. The election of a new president has been postponed; the outgoing office holder, Abdul Latif Rashid, is remembered for his bitter feud with the Chaldean patriarch for revoking a presidential decree recognising the Christian prelate. Meanwhile, al-Maliki’s possible return to power is casting a long shadow. Cardinal Sako calls for three days of fasting and praying for the country.

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will end on 31 December after more than 20 years. A farewell ceremony was held recently in the presence of the UN secretary general. The country has grown and become more stable, but some uncertainty remains. After last month’s election, Iraqis are waiting to see a new government take over with uncertainty over the chances of the incumbent prime minister. For Cardinal Sako, Iraqis are waiting for the “birth of a new Iraq”.

Several graves in the Christian cemetery in Harmota, a village in Koya District, were broken into and headstones smashed. Who carried out the attack and why remain unknown. Anger and indignation are high among the faithful. For Cardinal Sako, such an act is “morally and religiously unacceptable”. Missiles were fired at a gas field in late November.