SW News: Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, the Patriarch of Baghdad, reiterated the plight of Iraqi Christians. In his Easter message addressing the faithful of the Middle East, the primate called them to be the courage to face the challenges fearlessly.

The cardinal urged the faithful to focus on the mission, that is, to face the 'tests' of wars, violence, attacks, and increased emigration with great courage. According to the cardinal, the existence of Christians in Iraq is not a chance but rather the result of a divine plan. The prelate added that this entails finding and pursuing one's calling with confidence, courage, and zeal.

He added that despite everyday challenges threatening their existence and future, Iraqi Christians experience light and shadow throughout this year's Holy Week. He encouraged them to develop a desire to serve the community despite the challenges.

The prelate said, "We are not afraid." It does not matter how many we are when we are the 'salt' of the earth, 'leaven' in the dough, and 'light' in darkness, as Christ called us to be."

He further called the faithful to work together in unity and mutual help over the daily struggles, "like Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry the cross."

The prelate then said, similar to the first Christians who "sacrificed everything, even their lives" for Christ, "the Church in the East is a living heritage of martyrs, to whom we must constantly return."