The Prefect of the Congregation for Eastern
Churches, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, began a five day trip across Iraq
this morning, starting in Baghdad. The key moment of his visit – he told Vatican Radio – will be next Saturday’s consecration of the restored Syro-Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help which was the scene of an Al Qaeda attack which took place on 31 October 2010, leaving approx. 50 faithful and 2 priests dead.
The cardinal will pass on the Pope’s greetings and support to the Christian communities in Iraq worst-hit by the violence that has permeated the country for years.
The cardinal will attend a Christmas concert to celebrate the Year of Faith, in the Armenian Church in Baghdad. On Sunday he will meet the Chaldean community in Kirkuk.
The cardinal’s final stop will be the Seminary in Erbil, where he will celebrate Mass according to the Latin Rite.