Francis expressed his closeness to Iraq’s displaced Christians and sent out an appeal for aid to be guaranteed to refugees. He asked the entire Church to pray for peace
IACOPO SCARAMUZZIVATICAN CITYPope Francis has issued an appeal urging the international community to put an end to the “humanitarian crisis” that is taking place in Iraq, to protect all those affected or threatened by violence and to guarantee all necessary assistance to the displaced. This afternoon, as jihadist militants of the self-proclaimed Islamic State took control of the Nineveh Plain, expelling Christians from their cities, the Holy See issued a statement expressing once again the Pope’s closeness to the Christian people. He also did so during the Angelus on 20 July when Mosul fell to the militants (“Dear brothers and sisters who are so persecuted, I know how much you suffer, I know that you are stripped of everything”). Today he asked “the whole Church and all the faithful raise up with one voice a ceaseless prayer, imploring the Holy Spirit to send the gift of peace.”
BREAKING:
CHALDEAN PATRIARCHATE'S APPEAL FOR URGENT HELP S.O.S.
We have just received this desperate appeal from the Chaldean Catholic Patriarchate in Baghdad, following the fall of Qaraqosh (see our editorial from earlier today) and the current humanitarian tragedy as 100,000 Christians flee the Islamic terrorist armies.
[Update: 11:30 a.m. GMT:] As a response to the catastrophe, the Holy See Press Office made a declaration on how the Pope is extremely concerned with Iraqi Christians, rehashing what was said at the Angelus of almost three weeks ago after Mosul Christians were expelled.
We regret to say, but a Holy See spokesman declaration is not enough at this extremely urgent moment! The Christian, Catholic, 2000-year-old presence in Iraq is being wiped out as we speak. Since all the media seems to agree that Pope Francis is the most popular figure in the world today, then only he can make the dramatic gestures that the moment demands. It's a time for public weeping, and crying out loud in the middle of Saint Peter's Square for all the world to see, if necessary. It's time to denounce by name the powerful of this world who have abandoned the Christians of Iraq and Syria. It's time to show that we are desperate because they, our brothers and sisters, are desperate. What's the point of popularity if it is not put to urgent use in moments of emergency?
Please, Peter, speak up with your own voice! These are your own sheep being massacred!