Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, has warned that sectarianism and political control continue to threaten the Christian presence in Iraq, despite improvements in security.

Meeting with German Archbishop Udo Markus Bentz

From January 30 to February 1, Patriarch Sako hosted German Archbishop Udo Markus Bentz of Paderborn and his delegation at the patriarchal headquarters in Baghdad. According to a church statement received by Shafaq News, discussions focused on the challenges facing Iraqi Christians, who have suffered abductions, killings, and displacement by Islamic extremists.

“Christians have lost two-thirds of their population due to violence, including ISIS-driven persecution,” the statement noted.

Ongoing Threats and Political Marginalization

Despite a decline in violence, Patriarch Sako emphasized that sectarian divisions and political interference continue to marginalize the Christian community:

“The Christian presence remains threatened due to sectarianism and political quotas, particularly the control of certain political entities over our resources, representation, and employment opportunities.”

He called for a civil state that guarantees equality and justice for all, adding:

“We hope this dream will become a reality, not just empty promises.”

Past Struggles and the Revocation of His Presidential Decree

In July 2023, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid revoked Presidential Decree No. 147 (2013), which had appointed Sako as the Patriarch of Babylon for the Chaldeans and custodian of its endowments. The move sparked concern among Christian leaders, who viewed it as part of broader political maneuvering affecting religious minorities.

Sako Returns to Baghdad After Months of Exile

In April 2024, Sako returned to Baghdad following a personal invitation from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. Reflecting on his nine-month absence, he described it as a time of “suffering, pain, and anxiety.”

A Hopeful Yet Uncertain Future

While security conditions have improved, Iraqi Christians continue to face political exclusion and uncertainty about their future in their homeland. Patriarch Sako's appeal underscores the ongoing struggle for equal rights and representation within Iraq’s complex political landscape.