Iraq opens new Coptic cathedral in Baghdad welcoming diaspora Christians to return safely

Iraq opened a new Coptic Orthodox cathedral in Baghdad on Thursday, with officials calling it a symbol of coexistence and an invitation for diaspora Christians to return. Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and Iraqi Media Network head Karim Hammadi spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing religious diversity and security.

Iraq inaugurated a new Coptic Orthodox cathedral in Baghdad on Thursday, an event officials framed as a symbol of religious coexistence and an invitation for Christians who fled the country to return. Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi spoke at the opening of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, St. Paul and St. Anthony in the New Baghdad district, calling diversity 'a shield against intolerance.' Karim Hammadi, head of the Iraqi Media Network, told the Iraqi News Agency that the cathedral is 'the first of its kind in Iraq' for the Coptic Church and sends 'a great message to all Iraqi Christians in the world to return to their country, as Iraq is safe and needs them.' The article notes Iraq's Christian population has declined from an estimated 1 million to 1.5 million before 2003 due to sectarian violence, the 2010 Our Lady of Salvation church attack by al-Qaeda, and the 2014 ISIS takeover of Mosul. Although ISIS was defeated in 2017, many Christians have not returned due to security concerns, damaged infrastructure, and economic difficulties. The opening is presented as both a symbolic milestone and a reminder of the challenges facing Iraq's Christian communities.