Cardinal Sako Urges Iraqi PM to Protect Historic Christian Cemeteries in Najaf

Cardinal Sako Urges Iraqi PM to Protect Historic Christian Cemeteries in Najaf
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Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, has called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to intervene and stop attempts to convert historic Christian cemeteries in Najaf into investment projects, Rudaw reported. The appeal comes amid reports that land belonging to these sacred sites is under threat from development plans.

In a statement released Tuesday, Cardinal Sako cited a reliable source from Najaf revealing ongoing efforts to transform the al-Manathira Cemetery—home to prominent patriarchal tombs—and the Umm Khashm Cemetery for Christian Manathira into commercial investment sites. Both cemeteries hold significant historical and religious importance for Iraq’s Christian community.

The Cardinal urged the Prime Minister to ensure these archaeological sites are protected and fenced off, warning against any approvals for private projects that could erase their heritage. He proposed preserving and developing these cemeteries as religious and cultural tourism destinations, which could provide sustainable economic benefits to the country.

Iraq’s Christian population has drastically declined over the past two decades, falling from approximately 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion to around 250,000 today. The community’s exodus accelerated after the rise of ISIS in 2014, when the extremist group seized large parts of northern and central Iraq, causing widespread displacement.

Cardinal Sako’s call highlights ongoing challenges faced by Iraq’s Christian minority in preserving their heritage amid social and political upheaval.