Iraqi priest urges pope to advocate for persecuted Christians

Thousands of Christians in the Middle East have been forced to flee war and persecution. Reuters

An Iraqi priest forced to flee Mosul has flown to the US to campaign on behalf of persecuted Christians in the Middle East during Pope Francis' landmark visit.

Father Behnam Benoka last year received a phone call from the pontiff after writing to thank Francis for his support of those fleeing Islamic State. The pope reportedly told Benoka, "Know that I am with you in prayer always. I never forget you."

Speaking to the Daily Signal one year on in Washington, Benoka said Christians and other minorities in the Middle East continue to suffer significantly. "We left everything, we lost everything that we had," he said.

"It is very hard so see the suffering. We are losing them. The world is losing Christians from Iraq. That is a big loss for humanitarian heritage. Yes, we would like to live in peace and security. But we would also like to continue our culture. We are going to disappear."

In Mosul, Father Benoka worked as the rector at the seminary. After he fled to a refugee camp near Erbil along with thousands of others from the Ninevah Plains, he established a health clinic, distributing free medicine and heath care to those most vulnerable.

He said on Thursday that he hopes the pope will use his platform to defend persecuted minorities. "I hope... he could [share] our message, to authorities here in Congress, the White House and UN, to speak about our genocide, and to defend us here. That is our hope," Benoka said.

article,article,article,article,article Related

Francis has been vocal in his condemnation of Islamic State, as well as threats to religious freedom all over the world. In July, he compared the suffering of Christians in the Middle East to that of first century Christians, and said that this persecution even today often takes place "under the eyes and in the silence of all".

Before a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday, the pope urged the US to respond compassionately to the thousands who are fleeing war and persecution in Syria, branding the refugee crisis as "of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War".

"We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation," he said during his passionate speech.

"To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal. We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome. Let us remember the Golden Rule: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'...The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us. The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development."

related articles
Iraq: Despite thousands fleeing ISIS, churches are full of new believers

Iraq: Despite thousands fleeing ISIS, churches are full of new believers

Pope Francis promises to shelter two refugee families at the Vatican: \'The gospel calls us to those who have been abandoned\'
Pope Francis promises to shelter two refugee families at the Vatican: 'The gospel calls us to those who have been abandoned'

Pope Francis promises to shelter two refugee families at the Vatican: 'The gospel calls us to those who have been abandoned'

One Christian is martyred every five minutes, persecution watchdog reports
One Christian is martyred every five minutes, persecution watchdog reports

One Christian is martyred every five minutes, persecution watchdog reports

US government pledges support for persecuted minorities in Middle East
US government pledges support for persecuted minorities in Middle East

US government pledges support for persecuted minorities in Middle East

Dorothy Day: Why Pope Francis thinks so highly of her
Dorothy Day: Why Pope Francis thinks so highly of her

Dorothy Day: Why Pope Francis thinks so highly of her

News
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology

Some people think that you have to choose between science and religion, but that is not the case. This is the story …

US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies

A United States Federal Judge has granted an injunction that will prevent immigration agents from carrying out operations in places of worship after a group of religious organisations launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new enforcement policies.

Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss
Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss

Gyles Brandreth has thrown his support behind CBM UK’s campaign to end avoidable sight loss.

Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan
Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan

“We urge the governors of the affected states to reconsider this decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.”