Erbil Archives

Cleanse your hearts of anger, live the Gospel, pope says at Mass in Irbil

Mar 7, 2021

Having witnessed or even experienced persecution for their faith, the Christians of Iraq must be careful not to harbor thoughts of revenge, Pope Francis told them.

By Cindy Wooden

Bari trip gives Pope a chance to help save Christianity in the Middle East

Feb 19, 2020

A lethal combination of insecurity, political chaos, economic stagnation and outright persecution have created a toxic environment in the Middle East – for almost everyone, of course, but in a special way for Christians.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Iraqi Christians who stay are pillars of the local community

Aug 14, 2018

Though many young Christians are contemplating leaving the country, those who have chosen to stay have become staples for the local community, taking on leadership roles that aim not only to survive in the present situation, but to make things better.

By Elise Harris

For Iraqi Christians, bypassing the system is usually the key

Aug 8, 2018

Until now the Iraqi government and the UN have largely ignored the needs of Christians on the Nineveh Plains, so local leaders are urging potential donors to bypass those systems and deal directly with them.

By Elise Harris

‘Mogul for the Martyrs’ wields business moxie to save Iraqi Christians

Jun 16, 2018

In the Archdiocese of Erbil, Archbishop Bashar Warda is wielding real business moxie in service to the survival of his people.

By John L. Allen Jr.

U.S. Senate committee advances bill to aid Christians in Iraq

Sep 21, 2017

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted Sept. 19 to advance a bill that seeks to ensure U.S. aid reaches Christian genocide victims in Iraq out of the committee, moving it closer to a floor vote. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) praised Tuesday’s vote, saying the bill provides much-needed support to the Chaldean Archeparchy of Erbil, which has hosted Christian victims of Islamic State for several years.

By Matt Hadro

Iraq prelate backs preference for minority refugees fleeing genocide

Feb 2, 2017

Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil tells Crux that as long as special preferences under Trump’s new refugee order are for all victims of ISIS and not just Christians alone, it will help, and that Christians “celebrated when Trump won” in hopes it would mark an end to U.S. neglect.

By Crux Staff

For Iraqi Christians, mix of hope and horror is a daily affair

Oct 23, 2016

While long-Christian villages are being liberated, the threats facing Christians remain real, even in areas outside of ISIS control. The result is a mixture of celebration and fear, hope and horror, faced daily by Christians seeking to remain in a land that embraced the faith during the time of the apostles.

By Crux Staff