Mary watches over her children in Iraq

Six years ago a long ordeal for the Christians of Iraq began with the arrival of the Islamic State in the Nineveh Plain. Today, the cities that fell into its hands have been freed, but the future of the Christian community remains uncertain.

Qaraqosh (northern Iraq) was liberated in October 2016, followed by Mosul (30 km to the west) in 2017, but the traces of destruction are still visible and Christians are scarce. If a few have returned, the number of this 1,000-year-old community is dangerously declining. There were 1.5 million Christians in Iraq in 2003 and less than 120,000 today, according to the ACN (Aid to the Church in Need). But there are also signs of hope, thanks to the efforts of several charitable and humanitarian organizations and diplomatic efforts, the ongoing reconstruction of certain cities like Qaraqosh, and the return of refugees. 

Among other positive signs are the reconstruction of the Syrian-Catholic Al-Tahira Cathedral of Qaraqosh, the main Christian city of the Nineveh Plain, that was left considerably damaged by the Islamic state, which had used it as a combat training center from 2014 to 2016. As work continues, a statue of the Madonna and Child has been installed on top of the cathedral to watch over the city.

Translated and adapted from: Vatican News