Iraq insight

This month sees the first anniversary of the bloody church siege in the Iraqi capital that killed over 50 people and prompted dozens of Christian families to flee Baghdad. But a year on from that deadly attack, what has changed for Iraq's dwindling Christian minority and how do they see their future? To gain some insight into the hopes and fears of the nation’s Christian community Susy Hodges spoke to an Iraqi priest from Baghdad, Father Albert Zarezeer.

Father Zarazeer says for his fellow countrymen "the first problem is the (lack of) security" and talks of how "many families left Iraq" following the Baghdad Church siege. Asked whether Iraqi Catholics still attend mass in the wake of last October's attack, Father Zarazeer says "they are scared and frightened" but they still go to church.

He says many of those Christians still living there would like to leave, especially the young, as "it's difficult in Iraq now to build a good future" but he hopes those who leave "can return one day to their country" although he admits "there is a risk for the future existence of the Christian community" in view of the continuing emigration.

Listen to the full interview by Susy Hodges with Father Albert Zarazeer: