Mosul, Iraq, Dec 28, 2018 / 16:56 pm
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin urged the Catholic population of northern Iraq to remain steadfast in their faith and be open to forgiveness despite the numerous challenges facing their community.
Delivering the homily at a Mass at the Syro-Catholic Cathedral of Altahera in Bakhdida (also known as Qaraqosh), near Mosul, Iraq, Parolin likened the plight of the Christian population over the past five years to that experienced by the Holy Family as they fled to Egypt.
"The Church and the whole world witnessed with disbelief and horror the events of the summer 2014, when from one day to the next, you were forced to leave everything behind and flee from your homes," said Parolin.
"In an inspiring witness, you did not deny your faith. Like the Holy Family of Nazareth, you chose the path of exile in order to protect the lives of your children, the hope of the future."