VATICAN - Benedict XVI to the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Babylon: “may your beloved country, despite the present difficult situation, not lose heart but continue on the path to reconciliation and peace”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - An encouragement to all the citizens of Iraq not to lose hope in the present difficult situation but to continue resolutely “on the path to reconciliation and peace” was addressed by the Holy Father Benedict XVI to his beatitude Emmanuel III Delly, Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Babylon (Iraq), received in audience with participants at a special Synod of Chaldean Bishops in the late morning of Saturday 12 November. “I greet you warmly - the Pope said-, and I thank you for your visit which offers me a chance to address through you a word of warm encouragement your communities and all the people of Iraq. This message of solidarity is accompanied by the assurance of my prayers that your beloved country despite the present difficult situation will not love hope but will continue on the path towards reconciliation and peace.”
The Holy Father went on to recall the motives for the Special Synod which brought the Chaldean Catholic Bishops to Rome7 - 12 November: to conclude after years of work revision of the texts for the Divine Liturgy in East Syrian rite, prepare a liturgical reform and examine the draft of Special Law to regulate the community’s internal life. “Now you return to your respective sees refreshed by this experience of communion close to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul- the Holy Father concluded -. This communion finds particular expression here today in a common prayer of gratitude with the Successor of Peter. I encourage you dear Brothers to continue your pastoral commitment and ministry of hope for the whole Iraqi nation”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/11/2005, righe 20, parole 285)