The Christians of
Iraq are full citizens of the country,
with the same rights and
responsibilities; no discrimination
should be determined against anyone on
the basis of religion.
Benedict XVI recalled this as he
received the bishops of the Chaldean
church at the end of their ad limina
visit, led by the Patriarch Cardinal
Emmanuel III Delly. Benedict XVI
underlined the great suffering of the
Church in Iraq during this time and
noted that it has always played a major
role in the service of human, social and
spiritual growth of the country.
The Chaldean church today, the Holy
Father said, is called to take on an
important role of moderation in order to
build a society in which all can live in
harmony and in a climate of mutual
respect. In this sense, the bishops may
be interpreters to the authorities to
see that the human and civil rights of
Christians are recognized.
