Introduction

In an official statement issued by the Chaldean Patriarchate (its official website) on January 3, 2025, titled "Misleading Information About Iraqi Christians," the Patriarchate, representing the voice of Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako, explicitly accused the Kurdistan Regional Government of causing the migration of Christians from the region due to irregular salary payments. The statement added that these policies have driven Christians to migrate in search of a decent life, while the number of Christians in Baghdad remains the highest despite contradictory statements on the matter.

Key Points of the Statement

The statement referred to what it called misleading information published in the media, such as claims that the majority of Christians in Iraq are now concentrated in the Kurdistan Region. The statement denied this information and confirmed that Baghdad hosts the largest number of Christians, noting that churches are crowded with worshippers during religious occasions.

Regarding the number of Christians in Iraq, the statement indicated that estimates suggest around 500,000 Christians remain in the country, down from an estimated 1.5 million two decades ago. In the Kurdistan Region, the statement estimated the number of Christians at around 70,000, including displaced persons from Mosul and the Nineveh Plain.

Contradictory Statements

The recent statement from the Patriarchate contradicts previous statements by Patriarch Louis Sako, who praised the Kurdistan Regional Government for hosting Christians during the security crises that the country experienced, especially during the ISIS invasion of Iraqi cities.

Conclusion

It appears that the Chaldean Patriarchate's political and media opinions are a constant source of controversy, with its views on the Kurdistan Region oscillating between praise and criticism. This reflects the complexities of the political and social situation of Christians in Iraq. Christian migration remains a sensitive issue that reflects broader challenges faced by this indigenous component of the country. Despite the contradictory statements, there remains an urgent need to unify efforts among all parties to ensure a decent life and a sustainable future for Christians within Iraq, away from political and media disputes.