In an Easter message to the faithful of Iraq, His Beatitude Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, expressed his hope that the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection would “put an end to the suffering of our people.”
In the message, which was sent to Fides News Agency, Patriarch Sako said that despite tensions in the country, hope still remains during the Holy Week celebrations.
The celebrations of Holy Week “keep alive our Christian memory and give us a living hope,” he said. “Jesus is the heart of these events, his body destroyed and then resurrected is the force that drives us to new life. Even in the darkest hours, his resurrection rises like the sun on us and on mankind.”
Inviting the faithful of Iraq to celebrate and pray in their homes and churches, the Patriarch said that in doing so, Christians can be a living example of living a community life with love and loyalty. “With this spirit no one is in a position to feel threatened,” he said.
The Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans took the occasion to highlight the country’s upcoming elections on April 30th. Patriarch Sako reminded the faithful of the importance to go out and vote.
“We need to participate in the upcoming vote in large numbers, with a spirit of responsibility qualified and loyal people, who are committed to the good of the country and for its progress, focusing on the true values of freedom, dignity and social justice.” (J.A.E.)
