Iraq's PM Sudani backs return of Christian families, meets Chaldean patriarch

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani met Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Mar Paulus III Nuna and his accompanying delegation in Baghdad on Wednesday, reaffirming government support for Christian families who left the country during difficult periods. Sudani said the government is prepared to provide all necessary facilities to enable their return, and announced that Christians will be included in a one-million housing plot project. He emphasized that Iraq's strength lies in the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of its population and in their unity. The prime minister described Christians as an active and essential component in building the state, and called on Christian businesspeople and investors abroad to contribute to the country's development, particularly in healthcare and education. According to the statement, Patriarch Nuna expressed appreciation for the government's stance and said Christian businesspeople are ready to make meaningful contributions to investment projects.