New nuncio in Iraq: Christian refugees have a right to return to their homeland
November 17, 2015
The Middle East’s persecuted Christians “have much to teach us” and have a right to return to their homelands, the new apostolic nuncio to Jordan and Iraq said in an interview.
Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, a Madrid priest in his first posting as nuncio, said that “the Holy Father and the whole Church are with” the Christians who have fled their homes, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
“We must encourage churches of all countries to be present and to accompany, assist and support these Christians by all possible means,” he said. “They have much to teach us, we have a duty to keep their testimony.”
He added:
We should also remind civil authorities of their responsibilities; they should make it possible for Christians to return to their homeland: it is a right, not charity. They must also do their best to provide good living conditions for them, employment opportunities and housing. Like other citizens they must contribute to the good of their country.
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