The Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad, Louis Raphael I, says he is concerned. He is not convinced about certain consequences of Europe's new policy on refugees fleeing Syria and other conflict zones.

Many sister churches in Europe have been involved in this call to action. He was keen to share his perplexity and concern with other pastors of Eastern Churches.

What is your view on the international community's recent actions with regard to the Middle East? Is something moving at last?
"Last Friday, I met all heads of Churches in Baghdad at the Chaldean Cathedral, along with a number of nuns and priests.

"We are asking ourselves how this can be happening now after four years of war in Syria and 12 conflicts and massacres in Iraq. After the situation was allowed to deteriorate for so long. I am worried."

Are you referring to the refugee situation? Are you concerned about who opens the doors or closes them?
"This question cannot be dealt with in a sentimental or superficial way. What is required here is discernment. The only lasting solutions are those which can be implemented on the ground.

"These kinds of solutions need time and patience in getting processes going and guiding them. But this does not seem to interest national leaders and international organisations. They prefer to let the public's emotions influence their actions." Continue reading

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• Vassallomalta
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In a pastoral letter from his patriarchal see in Baghdad, Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako warned that some priests "have turned their parishes in little empires".

Others, he said, "have left Iraq without the bishop's permission, have applied for political asylum or have left their church and joined another church.

"Some do not celebrate Mass except on Saturdays and Sundays. Some do not preach or, when they do, they turn their homilies into insults or requests for money."

Echoing recent statements by Pope Francis, the patriarch emphasized that priesthood "is a mission, not a profession or a business".

He said the priest "is the human lung which purifies the sins with the air of Divine Grace" and "his success in the work is the result of the infinite power of God and not the result of his individual performance".

The Chaldean patriarch expressed his appreciation and agratitude for "the majority" of the priests of his church.

In his letter, the patriarch referred to vacancies in several of Iraq's episcopal sees, the lack of security and the state of perpetual socio-political emergency.

He said these "have also had an impact on the identity of priests and their spirituality", creating a "situation that cannot continue" and must be tackled resolutely.

In a synodal assembly held in Baghdad from June 5 to 10, the Chaldean bishops reiterated that no priest can leave his diocese without the bishop's permission.

Chaldean Catholics separated from the Church of the East (also known as the Nestorian Church) in 1552. Most members are in Iraq (where they are the largest Christian church) and Iran, with a refugee Iraqi community in Jordan and emigrant communities as far away as Australia and New Zealand.

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Fides

Seetheholyland.net

Image: Jesus.ch

Instilling democracy and a culture of freedom, said Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako, requires education and a sound strategy for the long term.

But toppling a totalitarian regime and replacing it with one that is fundamentalist "is even worse", he said.

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Patriarch Sako, who is based in Bagdhad, Iraq, was accompanied by a number of prelates of the Chaldean Church from around the world, including the Archbishop of Australia and New Zealand, the Most Reverend Jibrael Kassab.

On Friday morning Patriarch Sako and the bishops who are travelling with him met with Bishop Pat Dunn of Auckland and members of the Auckland diocesan Council of Priests at the diocesan headquarters, Pompallier Centre, and were joined by members of the Chaldean community.

His Beatitude addressed the gathering and thanked Bishop Dunn for his support.

They later travelled to Hamilton to celebrate Mass at St Columba's Church and celebrated a solemn Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral on Saturday afternoon.

There are over 3,000 Chaldean Catholics in New Zealand, mainly in Auckland, but also in Hamilton and Wellington and His Beatitude's visit was timed to observe the 10th anniversary of the establishment of St Addai's Chaldean Catholic church in South Auckland.

While in Rome for Pope Francis' inaugural Mass in March he had an audience with the pope. "He asked me to pray for him," His Beatitude explained. "And I invited him to visit us in Iraq. The pontiff said he looks forward to visiting our country, which is also where Abraham began his journey. His visit would inspire us with courage and hope."

It is reported that Patriarch Sako is "struck by the pope's simplicity and spontaneity".

Image: NZ Catholic - used with permission.