Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Warns New Conflicts Reopen Old Wounds in Iraq

Archbishop Bashar M. Warda of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Irbil, Iraq, has expressed concern over the inability to contact Archbishop Imad Khoshabeh of Tehran, Iran, following recent military strikes by the U.S. and Israel. The communication gap has raised alarms within the Chaldean Catholic community, highlighting the fragile state of interfaith and interregional relations in the region.

Archbishop Warda has been attempting to reach Archbishop Khoshabeh over the past few days, but has been unsuccessful. This inability to connect underscores the growing tensions and the impact of ongoing conflicts on religious leadership and community cohesion.

The archbishop has spoken from personal experience of the devastation caused by war. In 2014, the Islamic State group’s attacks on northern Iraq led to the displacement of thousands of Christians and Yazidis, with many families scattered and communities shattered. The trauma of that period continues to affect the region, as new conflicts threaten to reopen old wounds.

In response to the current escalation of violence, Archbishop Warda has called for an end to the cycle of destruction. He referenced Pope Leo XIV’s recent appeal for peace, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy. “We know this by heart,” he said, “Here in Iraq, we carry the memory of shattered cities and displaced people.”

The archbishop stressed that the Middle East, already ravaged by conflict for centuries, does not need more destruction. He called for healing and the opportunity for people to rebuild their lives and faith. “It needs space for its people to breathe again, to believe again, to build again,” he said.

Archbishop Warda also identified himself not just as a religious leader but as a man from the wounded land of Iraq. This nation, with a Muslim majority, has been home to Christian communities for over two millennia, including those evangelized by St. Thomas the Apostle and his disciples. The enduring presence of Christians in Iraq is a testament to the region’s complex religious history.

The ongoing conflicts and strikes have once again placed the Christian minority in a precarious position. Archbishop Warda’s plea for peace and reconciliation reflects a deep understanding of the human and spiritual costs of war. His message serves as a reminder of the need for justice, mercy, and humble service, as outlined in Micah 6:8.

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