In a heartfelt preface for the book 'The Christian Heritage in Iraq', Pope Francis highlights the enduring presence of Christianity in the country, drawing attention to its rich history and the challenges it faces.
Pope Francis penned a heartfelt preface for the book 'The Christian Heritage in Iraq ' authored by German journalist and theologian Matthias Kopp , a spokesperson for the German Bishops' Conference (DBK) and consultor for the Dicastery for Communication.
Published by Herder and currently available in German, Kopp's work meticulously traces the history of Christianity in Iraq, placing particular emphasis on Pope Francis' groundbreaking journey to the country in 2021 and the Holy See's diplomatic endeavors in the region. In his preface, Pope Francis reflects with profound gratitude on his Apostolic Journey to Iraq, which he undertook in March 2021 despite the looming presence of the pandemic and security concerns. He expresses his unwavering affection and solidarity towards Christians and all people of goodwill in Iraq, stating that they hold a special place in his heart and prayers. Despite the multitude of challenges Iraq faces, the Pope remains optimistic about the country's future, recognizing its extraordinary potential. He identifies this potential primarily within the Iraqi people themselves, those actively involved in rebuilding civil society, fostering democracy, and engaging in genuine and constructive inter-religious dialogue. The Pope highlights the significance of his meeting with the Grand Ayatollah of Najaf, Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani, during his visit. This encounter, he emphasizes, served as a powerful message to the world, unequivocally denouncing violence perpetrated in the name of religion as a perversion of its true essence. He underscores the religious community's shared responsibility for peace, urging them to live, teach, and transmit this message of peace to future generations. The Pope further recalls his visit to Ur, in southern Iraq, where representatives of various faiths gathered to engage in prayer and discourse under the celestial canopy that had witnessed the gaze of their patriarch, Abraham, millennia ago. This shared space, he notes, symbolized the rich and enduring heritage of Christianity, spanning two millennia. From the proto-Christian theological schools of Mesopotamia to the centuries-long peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims along the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, the diverse Catholic rites, the internal struggles within Christian denominations, the persecution suffered in the early 20th century, and the unwavering continuity of the Christian presence to this day, Kopp's work meticulously explores this multifaceted tapestry. The Pope concludes by expressing his profound conviction that Iraq is inextricably linked to its Christian community, as they, alongside other believers, contribute significantly to the nation's unique identity. He envisions Iraq, with its long-standing tradition of coexistence, tolerance, and mutual acceptance, as a beacon of hope for the Middle East and the world, demonstrating that peaceful cohabitation is possible despite all differences
Christianity Iraq Pope Francis Matthias Kopp Holy See Interreligious Dialogue Christian Heritage
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