Iraqi archbishop laments spread of Iranian conflict, communication barrier with Tehran archbishop
Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda of Erbil expressed that the Iraqi Christian community is frightened by the escalating Iranian conflict and the prospect of broader regional war. The Archbishop noted that the Christian community is recalling nearly 50 years of continuous violence, including past wars involving Iran. Schools and universities in the region have been closed for almost a week, and the local economy is collapsing due to the instability. Warda's primary concern is that Christian families committed to staying in Iraq may decide to flee due to ongoing threats, including drone attacks targeting Erbil. Communication between the Archbishop of Erbil and the Archbishop of Tehran has been impossible amid the rising tensions.
about 9 hours ago
Erbil, in Iraq's Kurdistan region, faces escalating attacks from drones and missiles amid the widening Iran conflict.1 4
Schools and universities have closed for nearly a week, the economy is collapsing, and frequent strikes heighten fears of broader war.1
The Christian town of Ankawa reports damage from falling debris after interceptions.4
Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda describes the atmosphere as "quite frightening," with Christians questioning if they must flee again.1 3
Erbil, home to Iraq's largest Christian community, has been targeted multiple times, reviving memories of 50 years of violence including wars with Iran and Gulf conflicts.1 4
Warda fears committed families will now emigrate, shaking efforts to rebuild.1
Attempts to contact Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mathieu in Tehran have failed completely.1 3
Chaldean sisters in Erbil cannot reach family in Iran due to power outages and severed lines.1
The community prays for Iranian Christians amid the silence.1
Attendance at morning Mass and evening prayer in Erbil remains strong despite cancellations of catechism and the annual Ankawa Youth Gathering.1
Archbishops Warda and Nathanael Nizar Semaan urge courage, prayer with Pope Leo XIV, and dialogue over war.4 5
Semaan calls believers to reject fear, entrusting regions to God.4
Warda implores world leaders to abandon force, noting war's enduring scars beyond material costs.4
Bishops emphasize prayer as key to peace, uniting with global faithful.4 5
Iraq's government vows to prevent its territory from fueling external conflicts.4
Examine the Catholic Church’s role in fostering peace amid Middle East conflict
The Catholic Church plays a multifaceted role in fostering peace amid Middle East conflicts, acting as a moral voice through papal diplomacy, supporter of persecuted Christian communities, promoter of interreligious dialogue, and advocate for justice and humanitarian aid. Drawing from papal addresses, synodal reflections, and episcopal statements, this analysis highlights the Church's consistent efforts to break cycles of violence, encourage negotiation, and build reconciliation.
Popes have repeatedly used diplomatic platforms to urge ceasefires, negotiations, and trust-building, emphasizing peace as essential for human development and cultural survival.
Pope John Paul II, in addresses to ambassadors from Israel (1994, 1997), Syria (2001), Lebanon (2000), Jordan (1998), Egypt (2000), and Morocco (2002), consistently called for overcoming historical resentments and resuming dialogue:
"The Holy See spares no effort... to overcome opposition or resentment, which often originated in the distant past, and to open up the paths to peace. Without peace, integral human development is hindered, the survival of entire groups jeopardized, the culture and very identity of more than one nation are threatened with extinction."
He stressed rejecting violence for "sincere dialogue between equal partners, with respect for each other's identity and history," and supported international legality, self-determination, and UN resolutions. To Jordan's ambassador, he affirmed: "The only reasonable option... remains that of dialogue and understanding," rooted in a shared "ethical monotheism" among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Recent statements by Pope Leo XIV during his 2025 apostolic journey to Lebanon and Türkiye echo this:
"The Middle East needs new approaches, in order to reject the mindset of revenge and violence, to overcome political, social and religious divisions, and to open new chapters in the name of reconciliation and peace."
In a press conference, he affirmed "sustainable peace is achievable," leveraging Vatican diplomatic relations to engage leaders. Pope Benedict XVI, closing the 2010 Special Assembly for the Middle East Synod, declared: "Peace is possible. Peace is urgent," urging global efforts and prayer for Jerusalem.
These interventions position the Holy See as an impartial actor, invoking divine aid while pressing for concrete political steps.
The Church bolsters Eastern Catholic Churches—sui iuris (self-governing) rites in full communion with Rome—as "builders of peace" amid emigration and persecution.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) details these communities: Maronites (1.7 million, strong in Lebanon), Melkites (1.5 million), Armenians, Chaldeans (stressed by Iraq war), Syrians, and Copts, integrated into societies yet facing violence. Benedict XVI encouraged them:
"Even if they are few, they are bearers of the Good News... the only Word which is able to break that vicious circle of vengeance, hate, and violence... Christians as full-fledged citizens can and must do their part with the spirit of the Beatitudes, becoming builders of peace."
Pope Leo XIV, in Lebanon's Martyrs’ Square, praised local Christians as "artisans of peace, heralds of peace, witnesses of peace," urging hope amid slow progress. USCCB statements on Syria/Iraq (2016) and the Holy Land (2008) call for humanitarian aid and resettlement, noting military actions must respect human rights under UN mandates.
The Church fosters unity across faiths, viewing Lebanon as a model: "Christians, Muslims, Druze and countless others can live together."
Pope Leo XIV highlighted shared belief in a "God of love and mercy," invoking Our Lady of Lebanon for reconciliation "like the streams flowing from Lebanon." Benedict XVI advocated dialogue on religious freedom, essential for all communities. John Paul II promoted mutual esteem over contempt, with Jerusalem as a "symbol of unity, peace and reconciliation." USCCB communiqués echo respect for Israelis' security and Palestinians' freedom.
This dialogue counters division, educating consciences for the common good.
Peace requires justice: "There can be no peace without justice. All the peoples of the Middle East have in some way been wronged, and all have inalienable rights."
The Church critiques spirals of "action, reaction and counter-reaction," urging holistic responses addressing exclusion and desperation exploited by groups like ISIS. It supports two-state solutions and Annapolis processes, calling on the international community. Humanitarian scaling-up and refugee welcome are priorities.
Despite persistent conflicts, the Church's role—diplomatic, pastoral, dialogical—offers a "word of truth" grounded in Gospel values, never resigning to violence. Pope Leo XIV's 2025 appeals during Jubilee Year underscore hope: "Lift your gaze to the Lord who is coming!"
In summary, the Catholic Church fosters peace through tireless papal advocacy, empowerment of local Churches, interfaith bridges, and justice demands, entrusting efforts to Mary, Queen of Peace. This witness persists as a leaven for reconciliation.