Iraq PM calls on Christians abroad to come home

During a meeting with Chaldean Patriarch Paul III Nona, the Prime Minister said the return of Christians who were forced to leave Iraq has become a national priority for his government.

He said the government is ready to provide the support needed to encourage Christian families to return, including making them eligible for the nation’s one million residential land plot initiative.

Mr Al Zaidi said Iraqʼs strength lies in its ethnic, religious and cultural diversity and in the unity of its people. He described Christians as “an active and essential component of Iraqi society and a key partner in building the state and shaping Iraqʼs history and future”.

The Prime Minister also encouraged Iraqi Christian business leaders and investors living abroad to return and take part in rebuilding the country by investing in the opportunities available across several sectors, particularly healthcare and education.

He said the government remains committed to strengthening stability and providing the support needed to help their projects succeed, contribute to economic development and create new jobs.

Mar Paul III, who was head of the Chaldean Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle in Australia and New Zealand before being elected as the new Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in April, expressed appreciation for the Prime Ministerʼs initiatives and his commitment to supporting Iraqʼs Christian community.

He said the governmentʼs position sends an important message encouraging Iraqi Christians in the diaspora to return home, strengthens their confidence in the countryʼs future and supports the willingness of Christian business leaders and investors to contribute to Iraqʼs reconstruction and development.

FULL STORY

Iraq’s Prime Minister Calls On Iraqi Christians Abroad to Return Home (By Georgina Habbaba/National Catholic Register/EWTN News)

Chaldean Church chooses Archbishop Amel Nona as patriarch, succeeding Cardinal Sako (EWTN News)