Statement from Bishop Buckley on the persecution of civilians in Iraq

14 Aug 2014

Bishop Buckley today called for prayers for those suffering from violence in Iraq, particularly those suffering for their religion.

Bishop Buckley said, “It is truly shocking in this day and age that there are people being chased from their homes and  property, being attacked and killed for no other reason than their religion.  Christianity was thriving in Iraq long before Saint Patrick came to Ireland.  Its presence has been obliterated.  Today, those Christians have been driven from their homeland for no other reason than for their faith in Christ.  I wish to echo the call of Pope Francis to people of good will, and politicians, to come to the assistance of those in need.  Pope Francis has continually invoked the international community to offer help to the Iraqi civilians who every day are being threatened by the oppression of extremists, and by starvation.

“I join with the Holy Father in asking the people of the Diocese of Cork and Ross to pray for a lasting and just peace in Iraq and in other troubled parts of the world at Masses tomorrow on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and also during the weekend,” Bishop Buckley said.

ENDS

  • Bishop John Buckley is Bishop of Cork and Ross

For media contact: Catholic Communications Office, Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678