Iraq’s Church looks forward to Papal visit to Lebanon
(Vatican Radio) The count down is on, with just weeks to go before Benedict XVI's
apostolic journey to Lebanon, scheduled for September 14 to 16th. A visit which has
as its primary purpose the publication and delivery of the Post-Synodal Apostolic
Exhortation for the Middle East, the concluding document for the 2010 Middle East
Synod of Bishops.
The Pope's visit is therefore eagerly awaited not only in
Lebanon but in all the Christian communities of the region. Alexander Gisotti asked
Msgr. Shlemon Warduni, Auxiliary Bishop of Baghdad how the Church in Iraq is looking
forward to the papal trip.
Bishop Warduni says “despite all the difficulties
that exist and all the worrying circumstances that there are in the Middle East, including
Iraq, the Church awaits with great hope the Holy Father's visit to Lebanon.”
It
is “the visit of a father who loves his children, who feel his concern for them, anywhere
and under any circumstances,” continues Warduni. “Even in Iraq, we expect this Apostolic
Exhortation with love and great hope. There are still many difficulties, especially
regarding security. We hope, therefore, that this visit will bring much consolation,
courage and so much support.”
Q - The Pope will meet not only the Christians
and the bishops in Lebanon – he will also have a meeting with Muslim communities.
This is very important to strengthen dialogue ...
“Of course! Dialogue
between Muslims and Christians was spoken of even at the Synod for the Middle East.
All of us live in one place: here we grow up together, live together, and especially
we (as) witnesses of the Gospel - we always try to be close to our brothers, trying
to make people understand that religion must bring people together, to help understand
that the Spirit of God is present everywhere. If we do not respect each other, if
we fail to help each other and reconcile each to the other, it will be very difficult
to move forward in these circumstances - with the war - because the love for God and
love of neighbor are not understood.”
Q - The Pope's trip to Lebanon
will also be an encouragement to the many Iraqi Christians forced to flee. This proximity
of the Pope is felt by the Christian community in Iraq?
“As the Pope
asks of us, we must love our land, we must grip on to our faith, our church and to
our land. This is the hour of great and powerful hope, so that everyone may return
to their homes: there, they will truly find happiness. We hope that everyone can live
in peace and safety!”