The military end of ISIS could facilitate a trip to a place long desired by Pope Francis: Iraq. There they say that his presence could help the country in two ways: to strengthen the internal peace and to give value to the diminished presence of the Christians. Before the war it was estimated that there were a million and a half Christians and now, there are currently less than 300,000. The country is changing its strategy and opening itself to the world. On March 4, for example, a new ambassador was sent to the Holy See.
Omer Ahmed Karim Berzinji, Ambassador of Iraq to the Holy See said, “Christians have been in Iraq since before the Muslims; their role has been very important. For a people who have been present since the beginnings of the country, the Christians of Iraq want the pope to come.”
Iraq is about to begin a new chapter of its history, where the main challenge will be the conflicts between Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds, Christians, and other ethnic groups or minorities.
“Steps are being taken for that unification,” said Berzinji. “The fact that there are people from the south and the Kurdistan area fighting together against the ISIS is a sign of this. It is the fundamentalists who want to give the impression that Iraq is not united. This is not reality. Diversity enriches us and we are working together.”
Berzinji met in Rome with the pope and Iraqi religious and political leaders from different religions or ethnic groups including Kurds, Sunnis, Shiites, Christians, Yazidis or Mandeos. The meeting was cordial with signs of respect and affection throughout the meeting.
“This is a symbol… given to the sheikhs,” added Berzinji. “So they call you the sheikh-pope.”
Iraq and the Holy See have maintained diplomatic relations since 1966. However, in the face of the threat of a resurgence of fundamentalists in the country, this treaty needs to be tightened further. In fact, it is hoped that the pope’s trip to Egypt will help improve the image of Christians and to encourage the rejection of radicals.
Can the pope bring ecumenical unity in Iraq?
“And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” Daniel 8:25.