
The High Representative has visited today the Prefect of the
Congregation for Oriental Churches, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri.
Mrs. Kader brought to His Eminence the greetings of President
Barzani and the Prime Minister, updating him on the current
situation in the Kurdistan Region, evolutions in the liberation
process of the city of Mosul and relations with Baghdad. As for the
various religious minorities in Iraq, Sunni and Shiite clashes
continue, Christians, mostly refugees in the Kurdistan Region, want
to be protected by the Kurdish government which provides them more
stability, as the other minorities. In addition to the ongoing
humanitarian crisis for nearly two million refugees and displaced
persons, there is an evident problem of reconstruction of villages
and systematic mine-clearing operations.
Finally, Mrs. Kader renewed to Mgr Sandri the invitation for the
Holy Father to visit the Kurdistan region, as the Kurdish people
need HIs presence on the ground, to feel strong His support, and to
believe in a future of peace and brotherhood.
Archbishop Sandri, leaving soon with the Holy Father for Egypt, has
guaranteed that he will do as much in his capacity to support such
an important request.