Catholic Church in Iraq

The Latest

St. Paul’s Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in Mosul, Iraq

Bell rings out from Catholic cathedral in Mosul for the first time since ISIS occupation

Nov 15, 2022

By Courtney Mares, Rody Sher

A church bell that was kept hidden by a Muslim family during the Islamic State’s occupation of Mosul rang out... Read more

An Iraqi woman holding a rosary.

Iraqi Christians face uncertain future after eviction from ‘Virgin Mary compound’ in Baghdad

Oct 19, 2022

By Rody Sher, Charlotte Evans

The Chaldean patriarch and an auxiliary bishop of Baghdad recently visited the Baghdad compound in an effort to find alternative... Read more

The Catholic University of Erbil in Ankawa, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Credit: Aid to the Church in Need.

Catholic charity sees ‘signs of hope’ for Iraq’s beleaguered Christians

May 10, 2022

By CNA Staff

‘Pope Francis’ visit, I think, really has given them hope,’ said Aid to the Church in Need’s Regina Lynch. Read more

A Christian family in Qaraqosh sporting their traditional dressing for Holy Week in April 2022.

Joyful Iraqi Christians return to Nineveh Plains to celebrate Holy Week

Apr 11, 2022

By Bashar Jameel Hanna

An estimated 25,000 Iraqi Christians gathered for a joyous Palm Sunday reunion after years of war and displacement. Read more

Pope Francis releases a dove after praying for the victims of war in Mosul, Iraq, March 7, 2021. Photo credits: Vatican Media.

'Francis in Iraq': Powerful film focuses on the people the pope came to see

Apr 2, 2022

By Shannon Mullen

"Francis in Iraq," a new documentary about the pope's historic visit to the war-torn country in 2021, hopes to raise... Read more

The logo of ACI MENA, EWTN's new Arabic-language news agency, based in Erbil, Iraq.

EWTN launches Arabic-language news agency based in Iraq

Mar 25, 2022

By CNA Staff

EWTN Global Catholic Network has launched an Arabic-language news service headquartered in Erbil, Iraq. Read more

Pope Francis meets Iraqi Church representatives on the first anniversary of his visit to Iraq, Feb. 28, 2022.

Pope Francis remembers historic Iraq visit 1 year later

Feb 28, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

He said his visit on March 5-8, 2021, was ‘unforgettable.’ Read more

Pope Francis meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at the Vatican, July 2, 2021.

Pope Francis prays for Iraqi PM after assassination attempt

Nov 9, 2021

By Courtney Mares

A papal telegram described the drone attack as a ‘vile act of terrorism.’ Read more

French President Emmanuel Macron tours Our Lady of the Hour Church in Mosul, Iraq, Aug. 29, 2021.

French president visits Catholic church in Iraq damaged by ISIS

Aug 31, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Emmanuel Macron toured Our Lady of the Hour Church in Mosul. Read more

Pope Francis, pictured on Oct. 4, 2014.

Pope Francis ‘deeply saddened’ by Baghdad market bombing

Jul 20, 2021

By CNA Staff

The explosion at the al-Wuhailat market killed at least 30 people. Read more

Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, Iraq speaks at Georgetown University on Feb. 15, 2018.

Iraqi archbishop: We must ensure ISIS genocide is not repeated

Jul 16, 2021

By Matt Hadro

Grateful for aid to Iraqi Christian genocide victims, the Chaldean Catholic archbishop of Erbil says more must be done to... Read more

The fire-ravaged coronavirus isolation ward of al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Nasiriyah, Iraq, July 13, 2021.

Pope Francis prays for more than 60 people killed in Iraq COVID ward fire

Jul 13, 2021

By CNA Staff

The pope assured families of “his spiritual closeness to all affected.” Read more

Christian refugees iving in an abandoned mall in Lebanon.

Christian refugees in Lebanon live in abandoned mall amid economic crisis

Jul 9, 2021

By Courtney Mares

An NGO has documented the harsh living conditions. Read more

Pope Francis meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi

Pope Francis discusses protection of Christians with Iraqi prime minister

Jul 2, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The pope and Mustafa Al-Kadhimi discussed the importance of protecting the Christian presence in the Middle East. Read more

Pope Francis blesses a young boy in the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Bakhdida, Iraq, on March 7, 2021. Photo credits: Vatican Media.

Iraqi cardinal: Pope Francis gave $350,000 for poor during Iraq trip

Mar 31, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

A cardinal has revealed that Pope Francis gave a donation of $350,000 to the Chaldean Catholic Church during his recent... Read more

Pope Francis meets Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, Iraq, March 6, 2021. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis in Iraq, Muslim dialogue, and persecuted Christians

Mar 14, 2021

By CNA Staff

Among the historic moments from the pope’s recent visit to Iraq was the establishment of a National Day of Tolerance... Read more

Pope Francis delivers a general audience address in the library of the Apostolic Palace.

Pope Francis: Keep praying for ‘our sorely tried brothers and sisters’ in Iraq

Mar 10, 2021

At this morning’s general audience, Pope Francis urged Catholics worldwide to keep praying for “our sorely tried brothers and sisters”... Read more

E-Book: "Francis in Iraq," download all the Pope's messages

E-Book: 'Francis in Iraq' - Download all of Pope Francis' messages from his trip to Iraq

Mar 9, 2021

By CNA Staff

In this e-book you will find all the homilies, prayers and speeches that Pope Francis gave during his historic visit... Read more

Pope Francis speaks during an in-flight press conference en route from Rome to Iraq March 8, 2021. Caption: Colm Flynn/CNA.

Pope Francis confirms plans to go to Hungary for International Eucharistic Congress

Mar 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

Pope Francis on Monday confirmed that he planned to visit Hungary for the closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress,... Read more

Pope Francis speaks during an in-flight press conference en route from Rome to Iraq March 8, 2021. Caption: Colm Flynn/CNA.

‘This is the pure Gospel’: Pope Francis moved by Iraqi Christians’ witness

Mar 8, 2021

Pope Francis said Monday that the sight of the destroyed churches and ruins in Mosul and the Nineveh Plains in... Read more