Christians Fleeing From ISIS in Iraq
Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church was reported to have dispatched a Cardinal to Iraq to show his and the Church's support for the fleeing Christians in Iraq. The Muslim militant group, the ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) has been intensifying its persecution of Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq.
The Pope has been very vocal about his support for the persecuted Christians in Iraq and has called the Catholic Church to offer assistance in any way they can. Most of the Christians in Iraq are Chaldeans which is part of the Catholic Church. "The Holy Father is following with deep concern the dramatic news reports coming from northern Iraq, which involve defenseless populations," Father Lombardi said in an official statement yesterday. "Christian communities are particularly affected: a people fleeing from their villages because of the violence that rages in these days, wreaking havoc on the entire region."
Prior to the U.S.- led invasion of the country in 2003, there were estimated to be around 1.5 million Christians in the area. However, that number has rapidly declined over the past few years and in the wake of the violence and persecution. It is now believed there are only 350,000 to 450,000 Christians left in the country. Most have fled to Kurdish territories where they were offered refuge.
As the Christians in the Iraq-Syria area continue to flee to Kurdish villages, prayer movements are being launched all over the world. Today, Christians are expected to gather before the White House to intercede for the Christians and other minorities who are threatened by the ISIS. Even as we speak, thousands of civilians are trapped on top of Mount Sijah, surrounded by Islamic State forces. Christians are threatened by the Jihadists to either convert to Islam or die.
Meanwhile the U.S. and the international community is planning to continue additional if not direct military aid to the Iraqi and Kurdish forces.
