News Articles on Iraq

  • Thread starter Thread starter Catholic_Press
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
One of the world’s oldest Christian peoples, the Assyrians of Iraq and Iran, find refuge in California but face ethnic extinction

Full article…
 
TODAY ON THE INTERNET /IRAQ - “I have a new friend, an Iraqi Catholic priest”

Baghdad (Agenzia Fides) - ‘I have a new friend, an Iraqi Catholic priest’ is the slogan of a programme launched by the office for pastoral care of migrants of the archdiocese of Turin in northern Italy. The programme supports ten young priests in Bag…

Full article…
 
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Following the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday, March 2, the Holy Father Benedict XVI launched three appeals. “With profound sadness, I have followed the events surrounding the kidnapping of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, Iraq,” the Pope said. “I unite myself to the call of the patriarch, Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, and his co-workers, for the dear prelate – who is also in very poor health – to be released immediately. I also elevate my prayer of supplication for the souls of the three young people who were with him and were killed at the time of the kidnapping. I express, moreover, my closeness to the entire Church in Iraq and in particular to the Chaldean Church, that have once again been dealt a serious blow, while I encourage all of the pastors and faithful to be strong and firm in hope. May the efforts of those who control the fate of the Iraqi people be multiplied so that, thanks to the commitment and wisdom of all, this people may again find peace and security, and the future to which it has a right not be destroyed.” The Holy Father was immediately informed of Archbishop Rahho’s kidnapping, which took place in the afternoon of February 29, during an ambush. Archbishop Rahho had just finished participating in the Way of the Cross, a religious practice that is very dear to the faithful of Iraq. As a communication from the Holy See has suggested, there is reason to believe that the criminal action has been premeditated. Another appeal was made for the Holy Land, by the Pope in the Angelus on March 2: “Unfortunately, in recent days, tensions between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have seriously escalated. I renew my pressing invitation to Israeli and Palestinian officials, that this spiral of violence be stopped, unilaterally, without conditions. Only by showing an absolute respect for human life, even that of the enemy, can one hope to provide a future of peace and coexistence for the young generations of those peoples who both have their roots in the Holy Land. I invite the whole Church to lift up supplications to the Almighty for peace in the land of Jesus and to show attentive and active solidarity with both populations, Israeli and Palestinian.”In conclusion, making reference to a recent event in Italy, Benedict XVI launched “an appeal on behalf of children” all over the world. “This week, the Italian news has focused on the tragic end of two children, known as Ciccio and Tore. It is an end that has deeply worried me, as it has so many families and persons. I would like to take this occasion to launch an appeal on behalf of children: Let us care for our little ones. We must love them and help them to grow. I say this to parents but also to institutions. In launching this appeal, I think of childhood in every part of the world, above all of that which is defenseless, exploited and abused. I entrust each child to the heart of Christ, who said, ‘Let the children come to me’(Lk 18:16).” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2008; righe 38, parole 529).

Full article…
 
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The resurrection of Lazarus, narrated in the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Liturgical Cycle A, says Benedict XVI, is “the last great sign worked by Jesus, after which the high priests and the Sanhedrin meet, and plot to kill Him. They even plan to kill Lazarus himself, as he is the living proof of Christ’s divinity and Christ is the Lord of life and death.” Prior to the recitation of the Angelus on March 9, the Pope explained that “in reality this Gospel passage shows Jesus as true Man and true God.” The evangelist focuses on Jesus’ friendship with Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. It was so profound, that Jesus shows His “sincere compassion for the pain of his death,” and even weeps. However, Jesus also demonstrates his “absolute power” over death, “expressing God’s view of physical death with the metaphor of sleep… The death of the body is a sleep from which God can awaken one at any moment.” “Christ’s heart is divine and human: in Him, God and Man are perfectly united, with neither separation nor confusion,” the Pope continued, “He is the image, indeed, the incarnation of God who is love, mercy, and paternal and maternal tenderness, of the God who is Life. That is why He says to Martha, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, he will live; whoever lives and believes in me, will never die.’” And Jesus later asks Martha: “Do you believe this?” This is a question that “Jesus addresses to each one of us; a question that certainly overwhelms us, it overwhelms our ability to understand, and it asks us to entrust ourselves to him, as he has entrusted himself to the Father…Yes, O Lord! We too believe, despite our doubts and our darkness; we believe in you, because you have the words of eternal life; we want to believe in you, who gives us a trustworthy hope of life beyond life, of authentic and full life in your kingdom of light and peace.” Following the Angelus, the Holy Father renewed his appeal for the Holy Land and Iraq, saying, “In recent days, violence has again left a trail of blood in the Holy Land, fuelling a downward spiral of destruction and death that seems to have no end. While I invite you to pray with insistence to the Lord Almighty for the gift of peace for the region, I wish to entrust to His mercy the many innocent victims and express solidarity with the families and the injured. I also encourage the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to continue negotiations in order to build a peaceful and just future for their peoples. I ask that all, in God’s name, leave behind the tortured path of hatred and revenge, and pursue the responsible paths of dialogue and trust. This is my request, for Iraq as well, while we still fear for the fate of Archbishop Rahho and for the many Iraqi people who continue to suffer blind and meaningless violence that is certainly contrary to the will of God.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 10/3/2008; righe 36, parole 523)

Full article…
 
Baghdad (Agenzia Fides) - “I regretfully confirm the fact that Archbishop Faraj Rahho has been found dead,” the Apostolic Nuncio in Iraq, Bishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt, told Agenzia Fides. “The body of Archbishop Rahho was found on the outskirts of Mosul. He had been buried by his kidnappers. The exact cause of death is still unknown at this time,” Bishop Chullikatt said. “Until this morning, we had hopes of finding Archbishop Rahho alive, and of reuniting him with his community of faithful. His death is counted in addition to those of his two security guards and chauffeur, who were murdered at the time of the kidnapping,” the Nuncio added, recalling as well that, “On June 3, 2007, in Mosul, Cahaldean priest Fr. Raghhed Ganni and three deacons were murdered. Following that criminal act, the government promised a thorough investigation. We are still awaiting the results. In this case, as well, they should offer a response and ensure the security of Iraqi Christians.” Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, was kidnapped on February 29 in Mosul, after having celebrated the Stations of the Cross, as he left the Church of the Holy Spirit. In the event of the kidnapping, three other people were killed: two security guards and the chauffeur. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 13/3/2008; righe 17, parole 210)

Full article…
 
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Upon receiving the news of the death of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, Archbishop of Mossul of the Chaldeans, Iraq, who was kidnapped on 29 February, Benedict XVI sent the following telegram expressing his condolences to Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans. “Informed of the tragic death of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, Archbishop of Mossul of the Chaldeans, resulting from the event of his kidnapping on February 29, I wish to express my closeness to the Chaldean Church and to the entire Christian community, as well as condemnation of an act of inhuman violence which offends the dignity of human beings and seriously damages the cause of the fraternal coexistence of the beloved Iraqi people. While I assure you of my prayers for the repose of the beloved pastor who was kidnapped just after he had completed the Way of the Cross, I also invoke the Lord’s mercy, that this tragic event may serve to build a future of peace in the martyred land of Iraq. With my deepest sympathies, I bestow my Apostolic Blessing upon you, Beloved Brother, the clergy, and the consecrated persons, and on all the faithful. Benedictus PP. XVI (SL) (Agenzia Fides 14/3/2008; righe 15, parole 200)

Full article…
 
Mossul (Agenzia Fides) - This is a day of pain and grief for the Chaldean Church of Mossul and of all Iraq. Yesterday, the death of the Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mossul was confirmed. The Archbishop had been kidnapped on February 29 in the city immediately after presiding the Stations of the Cross. His body was found following a notification from his kidnappers and was presented to medical personnel to perform an autopsy determining the cause of death. The Church in Iraq and throughout the world has been left in shock, pain, and profound sorrow from the event, that has been unanimously condemned by government leaders, international institutions, Bishops’ Conferences, and Christian and non-Christians alike. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has also sent his condolences to Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad.“The news has left us speechless,” said Bishop Francis Assisi Chullikat, Apostolic Nuncio in Jordan and Iraq. “Until yesterday we had hoped against all hope to receive good news.” “Archbishop Rahho,” the Nuncio said, “was a man of peace and dialogue, a link in relations between Christians and Muslims. And now the dialogue must continue.” Today Iraqi Catholics will gather with their Bishop in grief and support. The funeral services for Archbishop Rahho will take place today, March 14, in the afternoon, in the Christian town of Kremlesh, as indicated by the Chaldean Bishop Rabban al-Qass of Erbil, in the presence of the leaders of the Chaldean Church, Bishops, and other groups of Christians present in Iraq, as well as Muslim leaders who have condemned the terrible act. Kremlesh is becoming a symbolic site, linked to the martyrdom that many representatives, religious, and laity that have witnessed in recent years. Funeral services were held here as well for Fr. Ragheed Ghanni and three deacons, all of whom were murdered last year in Mossul (see Fides 4/6/2007), as well as the funerals of the three young men who accompanied Archbishop Rahho on the day of his kidnapping. The people will be under the protection of Iraqi and Kurd security forces, who will accompany the priests and Bishops coming from Kurdistan. “May the martyrdom of Archbishop Rahho be a grace for Iraq and a step towards reconciliation. May this blood serve to create peace, because it is the blood of a man without guile, a man of faith,” said Fr. Philip Najim, Chaldean Patriarchate of Baghdad. “We hope that this will increase the awareness of the international community, leading them to take action in stopping this trail of blood and the masses of people that leave the country in search of peace and a normal life.” “Archbishop Rahho has died,” he said, “but the Church in Iraq is alive and continues its mission. We pray for Iraq, for our faithful, and for the Iraqi people. We also pray for the government, that they may fulfill their responsibility in protecting citizens. We ask the All-Powerful God for peace in Iraq.”Messages of condolences have arrived from all over the globe. Caritas Internationalis has denounced the event, with hopes that “the death of the Bishop may be an opportunity to place an end to the violence and bring peace to Iraq.” The association of Aid to the Church in Need, that supports Iraqi Christian communities, recalled “the great sacrifices and sufferings of the people,” and said that, “the Iraqi Church has once again received the blessing of the blood of a new martyr who, going beyond the terrible human loss, will certainly produce abundant fruits, because its hope is based on the One who never fails.” ¶ (Agenzia Fides 14/3/2008 righe 47, parole 597)

Full article…
 
ROME, Mar 14, 2008 (CNA).- The apostolic nuncio to Iraq, Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt, has called for security guarantees for Iraqi Christians…

Full article…
 
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The “beautiful witness of fidelity to Christ, to the Church and his people” of the late Chaldean Archbishop of Mossul, Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, who met his tragic fatal end just days ago, moved Pope Benedict XVI “to cry out forcefully and with distress,” in the Angelus on Palm Sunday: “Enough with the bloodshed, enough with the violence, enough with the hatred in Iraq!.” Then, directing himself to the Iraqi people, who, “for five years have endured the consequences of a war that has provoked upheaval in its civil and social life,” he told them, “Beloved Iraqi people, lift up your heads and let it be you yourselves who, in the first place, rebuild your national life! May reconciliation, forgiveness, justice and respect for the civil coexistence of tribes, ethnic groups and religious groups be the solitary way to peace in the name of God!” The Pontiff also sent out a special greeting to the many young people present in Saint Peter’s Square who had come from many countries from around the world, “on the occasion of the World Youth Day, which the beloved Servant of God John Paul II wanted to link with Palm Sunday.” The Pope continued: “In this moment my thoughts turn to Sydney, in Australia, where the preparations are under way for the great meeting that I will have with the young people of the whole world from July 15 to 20 of this year. I thank the Italian bishops’ conference, Cardinal Pell, the archbishop of Sydney, and his collaborators in particular, for all the work that they are doing with such commitment. I am also grateful to the Australian federal and state officials for the generous support offered to this important initiative. See you in Sydney!” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2008; righe 21, parole 295)

Full article…
 
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “In the Passion of Christ, we see the fulfillment of this mission, when He, faced with an unjust condemnation, bears witness to the truth, remaining faithful to the law of love. On this same path, Archbishop Rahho took up his cross and followed the Lord Jesus, thus he contributed to bringing justice to his martyred country and to the whole world, bearing witness to the truth. He was a man of peace and dialogue.” The Holy Father XVI remembered Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho with these words during the funeral Mass celebrated in the “Redemptoris Mater” Chapel. “I know he had a particular fondness for the poor and the disabled,” Benedict XVI continued. “In order to offer physical and psychological care, he founded a special association called ‘Joy and Charity’ (‘Farah wa Mahabba’), with the task of helping these people and their families, many of whom learned from him not to hide these relatives and to see them in Christ. May his example sustain all Iraqis of good will, Christians and Muslims, to build peaceful coexistence founded on human fraternity and mutual respect.” At the beginning of his homily, the Pope recalled that “we have begun Holy Week with great sorrow in our hearts at the tragic death of our beloved Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho,” and he sent “a special word of greeting and encouragement” to the Bishops, priests, and faithful of the Church “in Iraq that suffers, believes, and prays,” “trusting that in faith, they will find the strength not to lose heart in the difficult situation they are experiencing.” The liturgical context during these days help us to live the final moments of Jesus’ life on earth: “dramatic hours, filled with love and fear… contrast between truth and lies, between the mildness and rectitude of Christ and the violence and dishonesty of His enemies. Jesus felt the approach of his violent death; He felt his persecutors’ net tightening around Him. He felt the anguish and fear, up to the crucial moment in Gethsemane. But He experienced all this immersed in communion with the Father and comforted by the ‘anointing’ of the Holy Spirit.” Making reference to the day’s Gospel reading that recalls the meal in Bethany with Mary anointing the feet of Jesus with the precious ointment, the Holy Father said, “I think of the holy chrism that anointed the forehead of Archbishop Rahho in his baptism and confirmation, that anointed his hands in his ordination as a priest, and later his head and hands when he was consecrated bishop. But I am also thinking of the many ‘anointings’ of filial affection and spiritual friendship, of the devotion which his faithful gave him and which accompanied him in the terrible hours of his kidnapping and his painful detention – where perhaps he was already wounded when he arrived – and even unto his agony, his death. Those sacramental and spiritual anointings were a guarantee of resurrection, a guarantee of the true and full life that the Lord Jesus came to give us!” At the close of his homily, the Pope expressed his desire that, just as “the beloved Archbishop Paulos gave himself without limits to the service of his people, may his faithful Christians persevere in their commitment to the establishment of a tranquil and united society, a society of progress and peace.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2008; righe 42, parole 558)

Full article…
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top