I welcome you with joy in these days when you are gathered in synod, as you prepare to face questions of paramount importance for the Chaldean Church, among which are the forced migrations of Christians, the reconstruction of the villages, the return of the displaced persons, the particular law of the Church, the liturgical question, and the pastoral care of vocations. I thank His Beatitude, Patriarch Louis Raphael, for the salutation he addressed to me also on your behalf. I take this opportunity to salute, through you, the faithful of the beloved land of Iraq, hard hit, sharing the hope of the recent news that speaks of a recovery of life and activity in regions and cities there – cities so far subjected to painful and violent oppression. May God’s mercy alleviate the wounds war that afflict the hearts of your communities, so that they may finally recover.

If, indeed, a tragic page has come to an end for certain regions of your country, it must be pointed out that much remains to be done. I urge you to work tirelessly as united builders: pastors of the Chaldean Church with pastors of other churches, and further by promoting dialogue and collaboration among all actors in public life, to help facilitate the return of refugees, and to heal divisions and oppositions between brothers. This commitment is needed more than ever in the current Iraqi context – in the face of new uncertainties about the future. A process of national reconciliation and a joint effort by all parts of society is needed to achieve common solutions for the good of the whole country. My wish is that you never lack the strength of soul, the hope, and the abilities to work that have so far distinguished you. Remain firm in your intention not to give in to despair at the difficulties that persist despite what has been done for reconstruction, especially in the Nineveh Plains. Since antiquity this land, evangelized according to tradition by the Apostle Thomas, has appeared to the world as a land of civilization, a land of encounter and dialogue. It is therefore of great importance that Christians, pastors and faithful, with such roots, be united in promoting respectful relationships and interreligious dialogue among all parts of the country. – message of Pope Francis to the Synod of the Chaldean Church (October 5, 2017)