Benedict XVI thanks Chaldean prelates for courage in the face of violence

Vatican City, Jan 26, 2009 / 21:34 pm

On Saturday at the Vatican, the Holy Father met with prelates from the Chaldean Catholic Church who had just concluded their "ad limina" visit. During their meeting with the Pope, the Chaldean bishops presented him with a cape used by Archbishop Faraj Rahho of Mosul and a stole belonging to Fr. Ragheed Aziz Ganni, both killed in Iraq over recent months.

Through Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, the Pope sent greetings to all the Chaldean faithful, assuring them of his fervent prayers "at this very difficult time for your region, especially for Iraq." Recalling Archbishop Rahho and Fr. Ganni, he said: "I ask God that the men and women of peace in that beloved region may unite their efforts to put an end to violence and enable everyone to live in security and mutual harmony."

The Pope then spoke of the origins of the Chaldean Church "which stretch back to the first centuries of the Christian era" and have a "long and noble tradition." He then explained that today, the Church remains an important institution in the country and must continue to serve the people and assist them in spiritual development.

The Holy Father then invited the Chaldean bishops to place the Word of God at the center of their pastoral activities and projects, because "it is on faithfulness to that Word that unity among all the faithful is founded, in communion with pastors." In that patriarchal Church, he went on, "the synodal assembly is an indubitable gift which must be used as a means to help make ties of communion stronger and more effective, and to experience inter-episcopal charity," because the synod "is the place where co-responsibility is effectively achieved thanks to real collaboration among its members."

"Furthermore the Chaldean Church, above all in Iraq where it is the largest [Christian community], has a particular responsibility to promote the communion and unity of the mystical body of Christ. Thus I invite you to continue meeting with pastors of other 'sui iuris' Churches, and with leaders of other Christian Churches, in order to further the cause of ecumenism."

The Pope also dwelt on the critical situations bishops have to face, in the first place that of the "faithful who must confront the daily threat of violence," and he expressed his appreciation "for your courage and tenacity in the face of the ordeals and dangers to which you are subject, especially in Iraq."

He then asked the bishops "to help your faithful overcome current difficulties and affirm your presence, appealing to those in charge for the recognition of your human and civil rights." and he invited them "to love the land of your ancestors to which you remain so deeply rooted."

Finally the Pope praised "the Church's witness of charity towards all those in need, without distinction of origin or religion. This cannot but stimulate all people of good will to expressions of solidarity." In Iraq, "despite the terrible moments the country has gone through", such witness has given rise to works of charity "which do honor to God, the Church and the Iraqi people."

"I invite you," he concluded, "to continue your mission with courage and hope. ... May the prayers and assistance of your brothers and sisters in the faith, and of so many people of good will, accompany you, that God's loving gaze may continue to illuminate the long-suffering Iraqi people."