The newly elected patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, His Beatitude Paul III Nona, has made a strong appeal to the international community. In an interview with the international Catholic charity "Aid to the Church in Need" (ACN), the head of the largest Catholic church in Iraq stressed that the people of the Middle East should no longer suffer from constant conflicts and wars. "We cannot accept that year after year a new war breaks out in this or that country," the patriarch said. The longing for peace among the population is overwhelming.
What people ask from the international community is "basically simple: respect—respect for our peoples and for our sovereignty." Only through this respect can the Middle East be prevented from permanently becoming a stage for geopolitical confrontations. "We want to look our young people in the eyes and tell them: You have a future. But for that, the world must stop turning our land into a constant battlefield," Nona added.
The Plight of Christians in Iraq and Their Unwavering Hope
The 58-year-old patriarch, whose birth name is Amel Shamon Nona, will be installed in office on May 29 at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Baghdad. His inauguration comes at a time of great uncertainty in the Middle East. Many people in the region continue to suffer from the consequences of years of war, economic crises, and political tensions—from Iraq and Syria to the Holy Land and Lebanon.
Nona knows the effects of war and displacement firsthand. As Archbishop of Mosul, he experienced the advance of the terrorist group "Islamic State" in 2014. During the occupation of the city, hundreds of thousands of Christians and other minorities had to flee their homes. His own community was completely displaced.
Looking back, the patriarch spoke of a "very difficult but also formative time." At the same time, it taught him how deeply rooted the Christian faith is in many people in Iraq. "Despite everything, people have kept their hope," Nona said. Suffering itself has deepened the faith of many Christians. The witness of Christians in Iraq consists of "having suffered immensely and yet having preserved a deep, unshakable faith."
The Motto: "Do Not Be Afraid"
As the motto for his patriarchate, Paul III Nona chose the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark: "Do not be afraid; only believe" (Mark 5:36, NIV). The greatest challenge of the present for many people is the fear of the future, of war, and of losing their way of life. "But if we live our faith as the Lord wants us to, we can live with these fears and still remain full of faith," the patriarch explained.
This biblical encouragement is relevant not only for Christians in the Middle East but for all believers worldwide. In a time when uncertainty and threats seem omnipresent, Jesus' call reminds us that faith can be a source of strength that overcomes fear. The patriarch calls us to live the Gospel message courageously and not to be paralyzed by fear.
A Call to Prayer and Solidarity
The situation of Christians in Iraq and throughout the Middle East remains precarious. Many communities are decimated, churches destroyed, and the future uncertain. Yet the faith of many people remains unbroken. The patriarch asks the international community for support, not only through political measures but also through prayer and practical help. "We need your solidarity. Pray for us, that peace may come and people may find hope," he said.
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