Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI opened his address to the Bishops of the Chaldean Church, whom he received in audience on January 24 upon their “Ad limina Apostolorum” visit, with the moving memory of the victims of violence in Iraq over the past several years and with an appeal for peace in this region. “I am reminded of Archbishop Paul Faraj Rahho of Mossul, Fr. Ragheed Aziz Ganni, and the many other priests and faithful of your Patriarchal Church,” the Pope said. “Their sacrifice is a sign of their love for the Church and for their country. 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!”
After recalling the origins of the Chaldean Church, which dates back to the first centuries of the Christian era, “long and noble tradition,” “the vital contribution she makes to the Universal Church,” the Pope mentioned that today the Chaldean Church, “which occupies an important place among the various institutions of your countries, must continue this mission at the service of human and spiritual development.” In light of this goal, “there is a need to promote a high cultural level among the faithful, especially in the youth.” Benedict XVI then spoke of the “vital moderating role” that the Chaldean Church is called to carry out, in its relations with other communities, “in the building of a new society where everyone can live in harmony and reciprocal respect. I know that coexistence between the Muslim and Christian communities has gone through various vicissitudes,” he said. “The Christians who have always lived in Iraq are full citizens of the country with the same rights and duties as everyone else, without any religious distinction. I wish to offer my support for the efforts in understanding and maintaining good relationships, which you have chosen as the common means to dwell in the one and the same sacred land for all.”
In order to continue in her mission, “the Church needs to reinforce its communion with the Lord, who calls her together and sends her out among all men,” the Holy Father said, and “this communion should be lived above all in the Church...Therefore, the Word of God should be always at the center of your projects and pastoral activity! It is on the fidelity of this word that the unity among the faithful can be built, in communion with their Pastors.”
The Holy Father then made reference to the “undoubted contribution” of the Synod, “which must be used as a means to help make ties of communion stronger and more effective, and to experience inter-episcopal charity...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.”
Benedict XVI then showed his admiration for the courage and tenacity of the faithful in the face of the ordeals and dangers to which they are subject, especially in Iraq: “The witness they bear to the Gospel is an eloquent sign of the vivacity of their faith and the strength of their hope. I strongly encourage you to support the faithful, so they can overcome the present difficulties and fortify their presence, making a special appeal to the responsible authorities, that they may recognize their human and civil rights, and inviting them to love the land of their ancestors to which they remain so deeply rooted.”
The Pope expressed his gratitude to the Pope for all those who, in various countries, with a fraternal spirit, receive those people who have had to flee Iraq. He also expressed his hope that the Chaldean faithful who live outside national borders maintain ties with their Patriarch: “The faithful should conserve their cultural and religious identity and the youth should discover and appreciate the wealth of the inheritance of their patriarchal Church.”
The Pope expressed his affectionate greetings to the priests, deacons, seminarians, and religious, and all those who dedicate their lives to preaching the Gospel, inviting them to grow more deeply in their relationship with Christ and continue their service and mission in the Church with courage.” The Holy Father called the Bishops to be “fathers, brothers, and friends” for their priests, taking special care of their initial and permanent formation, encouraging them to work with those in need or in difficulties, the sick and the suffering. “The Church's witness of charity towards all those in need, without distinction of origin or religion leads all people of good will to expressions of solidarity. Thus, it is important to progress in works of charity, so that the greatest number of faithful possible can make a concrete commitment at the service of those most in need.”
Benedict XVI concluded his address by encouraging his “dear brothers in the Episcopate” to continue on with courage and hope in their mission: “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. In the eyes of the believer, this suffering united to Christ's sacrifice becomes a means to unity and hope. Likewise, the blood of the martyrs of this land is an eloquent intercession before God. Pass along the affectionate encouragement and greetings from the Successor of Peter to your dioceses.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 27/1/2009)
