Latest news with #LouisRaphaelSako
Rudaw Net
6 days ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Cardinal Sako urges Iraqi PM to halt ‘violations' against Christian sites in Najaf
Also in Iraq Senior KDP, PUK figures to meet Iraqi PM amid financial crisis Iraq's three presidencies condemn 'drone attacks' on Kurdistan oil fields Kurdistan Region presidency condemns drone strikes on oil fields, urges Baghdad to act Iraq signs oil deal with US firm A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, on Tuesday called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani to intervene and halt what he described as violations against sacred Christian sites in the southern province of Najaf. This follows reports that land belonging to historic Christian cemeteries is being considered for investment projects. In a statement, Sako Cardinal Sako cited a 'reliable source' in Najaf indicating that 'ongoing attempts are underway to convert historic Christian cemeteries into investment sites.' He highlighted two specific cemeteries under threat: the al-Manathira Cemetery, which houses 'prominent patriarchal tombs,' and the "Umm Khashm Cemetery for Christian Manathira,' both located in Najaf. Sako urgently appealed to Sudani to ensure that 'these archaeological sites are protected and fenced,' and that 'no approval is granted for private investment projects that would erase their historical and religious features.' He proposed instead that these Christian heritage sites be preserved and developed into religious and cultural tourism destinations, generating long-term economic benefits for the country. Beyond threats to their heritage, Iraq's Christian community has suffered significant decline over the past two decades. Their population has dwindled from an estimated 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion to roughly 250,000 today. The mass migration of Christians was further accelerated by the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014, when the extremist group captured large swathes of northern and central Iraq.
Shafaq News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Patriarch Sako urges halt to investment on historic Christian cemeteries
Shafaq News – Najaf Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, called on Tuesday the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, to stop what he described as a serious violation of sacred Christian heritage sites near Najaf. In a statement, the Patriarch warned of attempts to allocate historic Christian cemeteries in the outskirts of the city — particularly the al-Manathera Cemetery, which holds the graves of prominent patriarchs, and the Umm Khashm Cemetery — for private investment projects. 'These are sacred and historical sites that must be protected and fenced, not erased through commercial development,' Sako said. He emphasized that Iraq's civilizational history extends far beyond the Islamic era, encompassing Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Persians, Christians, and eventually Muslims, noting that the Lakhmid dynasty, based in al-Manathera, was fully Christian and left behind religious landmarks including churches and monasteries such as al-Aqiser Church in Ain Tamr (Karbala Province), Deir Hind al-Kubra, Deir Hind al-Sughra, Deir al-Jamajem, and Deir al-Masih. The Patriarch added that this Christian legacy was also enriched by celebrated Arab Christian poets like Imru' al-Qais and al-Nabigha al-Dhubyani, who played a pivotal role in shaping Arabic literature. Sako urged the government to consider these historic Christian sites as national heritage alongside the Shiite shrines in Najaf and Karbala, suggesting they could be responsibly developed into religious and cultural tourism destinations. 'If protected and properly promoted, these sites could become pilgrimage landmarks that generate long-term revenue for the country — especially in a future when oil may no longer be a dependable resource,' the Patriarch concluded.
Shafaq News
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Patriarch Sako meets Lebanese President, calls for peace and state building
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Chaldean Catholic Patriarch, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Baghdad to discuss the region's unfolding crises. The Chaldean Patriarchate announced that Sako called for empowering the Church's role in assisting impoverished families by developing housing complexes that uphold human dignity and provide a decent life, affirming the vital role that religious and political authorities can play in promoting a culture of peace and coexistence in a region facing mounting challenges. Both sides stressed the importance of joint efforts to build a 'strong state governed by the rule of law, rooted in inclusive citizenship, with arms confined solely to the state and firm action against all forms of corruption,' the statement read.
Shafaq News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
How Pope Leo XIV was elected: Iraq's Cardinal Sako shares details
Shafaq News / On Saturday, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, head of the Chaldean Catholic Church, shared details from the secretive Vatican meetings that preceded the election of Pope Leo XIV, describing a process marked by discipline, spiritual focus, and collective responsibility. In a statement, Cardinal Sako indicated that more than 185 cardinals, including both electors and retired members, convened in the Vatican for several days of closed-door discussions. The talks focused on preserving church unity, strengthening Christian doctrine, building closer ties with communities, and responding to the suffering of people in conflict-affected regions. The conclave formally opened on May 7 with a morning Mass, followed by a spiritual reflection and the first round of voting inside the Sistine Chapel. A total of 133 cardinals under the age of 80 participated in the election, with two absent due to health-related reasons. Seating arrangements followed strict protocol based on each cardinal's ecclesiastical rank, he added. All communication with the outside world was suspended from the outset. Mobile phones were collected, and internet access was cut off to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the voting process. White smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney on May 8 confirmed the successful election of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in the United States on September 14, 1955. The bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out as thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to witness the announcement.
Shafaq News
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Baghdad Christians celebrate Easter amid renewed hope
Shafaq News/ The chant of "Christ Is Risen — Truly He Is Risen" echoed through the halls of Saint Joseph's Church in Baghdad on Saturday evening as hundreds of worshippers gathered to celebrate Easter Vigil. Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, led the Holy Saturday liturgy—known locally as Sabt al-Nour—calling on the faithful to pray 'for the resurrection of peace in our homeland and across the region.' Incense wafted through the aisles as hymns rang out and worshippers exchanged greetings of 'Glorious Resurrection.' 'This day reminds us that death does not have the last word,' said Maryam Daoud, 28, wiping away tears while holding a bouquet of white lilies. 'After all we've lived through, the resurrection of Christ gives us the courage to remain.' The practice of Christian rituals in Iraq has faced immense challenges in recent decades. Before 2003, Christians, though a minority, maintained a relatively stable presence. The US invasion and subsequent instability led to increased persecution, culminating in the brutal ISIS occupation (2014–2017). During this period, the open practice of Christian traditions was nearly impossible in ISIS-controlled areas, with many Christians facing death, displacement, or forced conversion. Churches were destroyed, and ancient communities were decimated. Since the territorial defeat of ISIS, there has been a gradual return and rebuilding, though significant challenges remain. While Christians in Baghdad—and particularly in the Kurdistan Region —are now able to observe Easter and other holy days with greater openness, the legacy of violence, ongoing security concerns, and continued emigration mean that the community is far smaller and more vulnerable than it once was. Church leaders and congregants alike emphasized the symbolic power of this year's celebrations. 'It is not just a religious ritual,' said one parish priest. 'It is an affirmation of our existence, our resilience, and our commitment to this land.'
