Prime Minister Congratulates New Chaldean Patriarch and Calls on Expatriate Christians to Contribute to Rebuilding Iraq's Economy

In a step reflecting the government's keenness to strengthen national cohesion, Prime Minister Mr. Ali Fadhil Al-Zaidi paid an official visit on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) to St. Joseph Church in the Mansour area of the capital, Baghdad. The Prime Minister's Media Office stated that the visit was to offer congratulations to His Beatitude Patriarch Younan III Nona, on the occasion of gaining the Pope's confidence and ascending to the Patriarchal See of the Apostolic Chair of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world. During the meeting, Al-Zaidi affirmed the government's commitment to working with all components to preserve the Iraqi social fabric, describing Christians as an authentic and essential component of the people. The Prime Minister issued a clear invitation to the members of the Christian component, especially businessmen residing in the diaspora, to return to their homeland, engage in development and economic projects, and contribute to the rebuilding phase. For his part, His Beatitude the Patriarch expressed his thanks and congratulations to the Prime Minister on the formation of the new government and gaining parliamentary confidence, wishing him success and prosperity in managing the country's affairs.