Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako Joins Mideast Patriarchs in Telling Pope of Concern for Christian Survival

Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East told Pope Francis in a private meeting that Christians in the region face serious threats to their survival, including persecution, extremism, economic insecurity and emigration to the West. The patriarchs raised the alarm during the meeting, which was held at the Vatican on Feb. 8.

The patriarchs gave the pope an overview of conditions in their countries and regions: Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and the Holy Land. They focused on wars and crises that have driven Christians from the region and on the need to continue caring for the faithful pastorally in their adopted Western countries. They also gave the pope a more detailed memorandum.

The Vatican did not comment on the meeting. In a statement, Cardinal Rai said he was “very happy” about the pope’s awareness of and concern for the churches’ affairs in the Middle East, as well as the issues they face and “the importance of the presence of Christians, their role and mission” in coexisting with Muslims. He said the meeting was an occasion to stress the pope’s words and stance for Christian communities and the wider region, which he described as living a model of coexistence with Muslims while preserving their rich heritage. He also pointed to the role of the Holy See and its diplomatic relations in seeking an end to the wars and conflicts affecting the Arab world.

Syriac Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan said that, “in an atmosphere of frankness, respect, and appreciation,” Pope Francis assured the patriarchs that he was closely concerned about the situation in the Middle East and was working with all his strength to stop the powerful of the world from interfering in the region’s affairs. Patriarch Younan also reported that the pope believes people have legitimate rights to honest governments that respect citizens and seek the good of their homeland. Peace among neighbors, a goal the pope and the patriarchs shared, reflects the call to live peaceably with all people (Romans 12:18).

According to Patriarch Younan, the pope said he would continue to defend Syria, which he described as always in his heart and mind. The patriarch said the pope repeated his desire to visit Iraq but noted that he cannot do so at this time.

The other patriarchs at the meeting were Iraqi Cardinal Louis Sako, Chaldean patriarch; Melkite Catholic Patriarch Joseph Absi; Armenian Patriarch Gregory Peter XX Ghabroyan; and Coptic Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sedrak.

After the meeting with the pope, the patriarchs held a working meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state.

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