(AKI) - The Iraqi-born head of the Chaldean Christian church Emmanuel Delly III says security is improving for Christians and others in his war-torn country. Emmanuel Delly III became the first Iraqi cardinal in Rome last Saturday. He was among 23 senior church leaders named cardinals in a special ceremony at the Vatican. "The security situation in Iraq is improving for everyone, including us Christians," he said in an interview with Adnkronos International (AKI). "Christians in Iraq are not separated from other members of society so if the security situation improves, everyone will benefit."
The patriarch stressed the importance of unity in Iraq and cohesion between diverse groups in the country. Around 70 percent of Iraqi Christians belong to the Chaldean community. An autonomous church aligned with eastern rite churches, the Chaldean church has its own liturgy and leadership but recognises the authority of the Pope.
Regarding inter-religious dialogue, the new cardinal said: "I hope that the Vatican continues to speak to other religions. "Our objective is not to proselytise but to collaborate and live together with others."
The new cardinal said the Chaldean church was not only found in Iraq but also in other countries of the world. "We have churches in the US, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt and also one in Australia."
There are an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 Christians in Iraq - 3 percent of the population. Many Chaldeans and other Christians fled the country after the Allied invasion in March 2003, in fear of sectarian violence.