Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi met with Chaldean Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona in Baghdad on Saturday and stressed that supporting the Christian diaspora's return is a top government priority, pledging security guarantees, investment support, and inclusion in the One Million Residential Land Plots Project. 

Mar Paulos III Nona, who was elected Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the World in May, met with al-Zaidi alongside an accompanying delegation that included the Archbishop of the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil, Mar Bashar Matti Warda, and several Christian clergy members.

Iraqi PM Emphasizes National Diversity 

During the meeting, al-Zaidi emphasized that Iraq's strength stems from its rich ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity, alongside the solidarity and social cohesion of its citizens. 

“Christians are an active component and an essential partner in building the state and shaping Iraq’s history and future,” he added. 

Iraq Pledges Land and Security to Returning Christians 

Al-Zaidi declared that facilitating the return of Christians forced to flee the country due to conflict is a national priority, noting that the government is actively implementing all necessary measures to guarantee lasting security, stability, and civil peace.

He stated that the government will provide returning Christian families with essential support, including access to the One Million Residential Land Plots Project, a national housing initiative designed to distribute fully serviced land parcels to low-income families and displaced citizens to help them build homes and achieve property ownership. 

“Iraq is a homeland for all Iraqis, and its diversity is a source of strength for both society and the state,” he added.

Al-Zaidi also urged diaspora Christian investors to return and contribute to county’s reconstruction, particularly in healthcare and education, promising full government support to ensure their projects' success and create jobs.

Chaldean Patriarch Welcomes PM's Support for Christians

In turn, Mar Paulos III Nona expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for his attention and support for Iraqi Christian families and business leaders. 

Patriarch Nona stated that these measures encourage the Christian diaspora to return, highlighting “the readiness of Christian business leaders to contribute effectively to investment projects and participate in the reconstruction and development process in a manner that serves Iraq and all its people.”

Iraq’s Ancient Christian Community Drops Below 250K

Iraqi Christians represent one of the world's oldest communities. According to data tracked by church officials and the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, Iraq's Christian population has plummeted from an estimated 1.5 million before 2003 to fewer than 250,000 today. 

The community primarily belongs to the Chaldean Catholic Church, which is currently led by Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona following his election and enthronement in 2026.