BAGHDAD (AsiaNews): Louis Raphael Cardinal Sako, the Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans, expressed great “concern” for the general international situation and, in particular, for Iraq and the Middle East “cradle of civilisations and religions,” combined with hope for a common commitment in the direction of peace, dialogue and brotherhood in a message published on the patriarchate’s website.
Cardinal Sako, had just been at the Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence held in Bahrain at the beginning of November in the presence of Pope Francis, and at the 9th Abu Dhabi Peace Forum, the Globalisation of War and the Globalisation of Peace, Requirements and Partnership, held from November 8 to 10.
Addressing Christians, Muslims, Yazidis, and Sabeans the cardinal recalled that “Iraq is our common home” and therefore “we need strength and support for each other” because, otherwise, “we are all doomed.” The world itself ‘is facing a great challenge’ made up of ‘conflicts, sectarian and nationalist militancy, chaos and corruption’ that affect people’s ‘economic, social and religious’ lives and security.
The cardinal made note of the very serious effects of the Russia’s war on Ukraine, the damage caused by climate change, the increasing tragic food crisis, the water issue and the progressive desertification linked to it. “Small wars,” he warned, “can turn into big conflicts” while the world needs “a mediating role” to avert escalation.
“We are all responsible for what happens on our planet and in our country,” the patriarch wrote. God, he warned, “will not ask” whether we are “Shia Muslim or Sunni, a Catholic Christian or an Orthodox,” but will judge “on our concerns” and for what we have done for our sisters brothers.”. Only can truly guarantee “peace and security” that are the way and the light “for eternity,” he said.
Cardinal Sako urged politicians and institutions to “take care” of this “unique home” and ensure “protection and services” for its citizens.
He also called on religious leaders to be witnesses of the divine message and to teach people “morality, acceptance of difference, respect for diversity,” and to contribute to a strengthening of internal dialogue within Islam “between Sunnis and Shiites” for the “reconciliation of their respective peoples.”
He said, “religion must be a deterrent to evil and injustice.”
