Pope Benedict XVI Address of Chaldean bishops to the pope during a visit to Limina

(January 24, 2009) “The Chaldean Church, whose origins date back to the early centuries of the Christian era, has a long and venerable tradition that expresses its roots in the regions of East, where it is present since its origins, and its unique contribution to 'Universal Church, especially through its theologians and spiritual masters. I think of Bishop Paul Faraj Rahho, Archbishop of Mosul, the Father Ragheed Aziz Ganni, and many other priests and faithful of your patriarchal Church. Their sacrifice is a sign of their love of the Church and their country, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was speaking to the Chaldean Bishops at Rome on the 24^th of January, during their Ad Limina visit. The visit ad limina is the obligation of the Bishops of a particular diocese to visit the relics of the Apostles and of presenting themselves before the pope to give an account of the state of their dioceses every five years. Today, the Pope said, “the Chaldean Church, which has an important place among the various components of the country, must continue this mission at the service of their human and spiritual development. The Pope then said that maintaining cordial relations with members of other communities, the Chaldean Church is called to play a moderating role in building a new society especially called for the coexistence between the Muslim and the Christian communities. The Holy Father then added, saying: “I ask the Holy Spirit to grow ever more with you the unity and mutual trust for the pastoral service in your care to be fully realized for the greater good of the Church and its members.”Finally the Pope extended his affectionate greetings to the priests, deacons, seminarians, religious and all who carry the concern of the proclamation of the Gospel, that they may be a living testimony of their unity and brotherhood them together.