Papal visit will provide ‘great hope’ to Iraqi people: Chaldean priest

Iraqi Christians have waited for a papal visit for decades, and now, the historic event is finally about to begin.

“It is a great occasion for them,” said Father Sabah Kamora, pastor of St. Paul's Chaldean Parish in Surrey. He said Pope John Paul II had originally planned a trip to Iraq in 2000, but due to instability and fears for his safety was unable to make the trek.

Twenty-one years later, Pope Francis’ visit March 5-8 has the potential to bring a much-needed message of hope to Iraqis.

“I think just his visit is a great hope,” said Father Kamora. “His message is, ‘I am with you.’ Like Jesus, when the disciple was afraid … He said, ‘I will be with you at all time.’ That’s the message of Pope Francis.”

Though some have voiced fears for Francis’ health and safety as he travels to a conflicted country in the midst of a pandemic, Father Kamora trusts God will protect the Pontiff.

“By the will of God everything was arranged,” he said. “Maybe God will protect him and the Iraqi people, and protect all the people that are gathering there.”

Born in Mosul, but serving Catholics in Surrey for the last few years, Father Kamora said there is no doubt he and many of his Iraqi parishioners will tune into live television coverage as Pope Francis tours their war-torn homeland, views destroyed churches,  meets with government and religious leaders, and prays for victims of war and for peace.

“Thank God and thank Pope Francis, because he is a person who protects the weak people and the needy people and all the people that are in terrible situations.”

Related: