Chaldean Patriarch Says Social Fabric Being Rebuilt in Areas Recovered from ISIS

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Louis Raphaël I Sako, said urban renewal and the reconstruction of the social fabric are under way in areas retaken from ISIS in Iraq. Speaking after a visit to Mosul and surrounding regions, Patriarch Sako said the areas have changed noticeably compared with the period of the group's control and that residents have shown a strong desire to re-establish their communities and places of residence. Sako said infrastructure reconstruction is being carried out on foundations based on human dignity, cooperation and respect for coexistence. He added that the delegation observed positive developments and steps to strengthen confidence during its field review. The Patriarch noted that Iraq's components, including Christian communities, have been heavily affected by terrorism, war and forced displacement, and said that when conditions allow, families will be able to return to their former areas through reverse migration. He added that the Church will continue to uphold principles of peace, coexistence and the protection of the legitimate rights of all religions and sects. On Christian representation in the Iraqi government, Sako said he does not yet have clarity on the matter and that it will become clearer in the coming period.