Kadhimi, Pope meet in the Vatican, discuss conditions of Christians in Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Pope Francis received Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in the Vatican on Friday, discussing the condition of Christians in Iraq and the renovation of churches that were damaged during the Islamic State (ISIS) war, according to a statement from the PM's office. 

Kadhimi “affirmed the commitment of the Iraqi government to work on the consolidation of Iraqi Christians and other minority groups in their lands… and facilitate the return of the displaced and immigrants to their areas,” read the statement.

The Iraqi PM called on the Iraqi Christian institutions to resume their humanitarian activities, “especially in terms of education and health.”

Thousands of Christians have fled Iraq since 2014, with many fearing persecution by ISIS and Iranian-backed militia groups.  Some have sought refuge in the Kurdistan Region. 

Several Islamic and Christian archeological and holy sites were damaged during the war against ISIS. The premiere said his cabinet is “proceeding to rebuild the ancient churches that were destroyed by the terrorist gangs of ISIS,” according to the statement. 

The pope recalled his March trip to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region during the meeting with Kadhimi, saying it is important to protect the historical presence of Christians in Iraq as well as their contribution, according to a statement from the pontiff's office, reported Vatican News.
 
The pope’s visit to Iraq in early March was both historical and unprecedented. He visited several historical sites, including those damaged by ISIS in Nineveh province. His mass in Erbil was attended by thousands of worshippers.

Kadhimi arrived in Italy on Thursday after his trip to Brussels where he met members of NATO military alliance.