Mosul, Iraq, Mar 22, 2010 / 23:07 pm
Almost all Catholics who fled Mosul in the run-up to the March 7 election have returned home, according to the latest reports. The Archbishop of Kirkuk said he was “very optimistic” that security would improve and minority groups, including Christians, would have a bigger voice because of the election’s outcome.
Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need on Monday, Archbishop Louis Sako said the uncertain situation of Iraq’s Christians looked set to improve regardless of the outcome of the elections, whose results are expected by month’s end.
“The elections were carried out very well. During the campaign period, the political parties debated their programs in a very civilized way,” he told ACN from Kirkuk.
“The last election in 2005 was much more sectarian. Now people have chosen more secular parties, not like last time. Whatever happens, it will be a good result. I am very optimistic about that.”