Catholic bishops in Iraq are discussing the government's call for Christians to return to the country

Iraq’s Catholic bishops are preparing to hold a meeting in Ankawa, where they will discuss the Iraqi government’s initiative aimed at bringing the Christian population back to the country. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi issued an official statement to Christians, promising investments in healthcare, education, and land development projects for those who decide to return to their homeland. This was reported by and Christian Today.

The situation for the Christian community in Iraq remains difficult: while the Christian population numbered about 1.5 million before 2003, due to years of conflict, the aftermath of Saddam Hussein’s regime, and persecution by the terrorist group “Islamic State” (banned in Russia), their numbers have fallen to fewer than 250,000.

The government’s initiative has sparked a mixed reaction. Many view the proposal with skepticism, pointing to unresolved issues of discrimination, weak political representation, illegal land confiscation, and general instability in the security sector. There are also concerns that these measures may be merely symbolic, aimed at improving Iraq’s image in the eyes of the U.S. administration.

Nevertheless, church leaders are expressing cautious optimism. Bashar Varda, the Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil, noted in an interview with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the Church welcomes this call. According to him, the prime minister expressed his willingness to provide comprehensive support, emphasizing his confidence in the high quality of educational and medical services that Iraqi Christians have historically provided.