Here’s a roundup of some important news from around the world concerning the Church that you may have missed this week.

Cardinal Urges Iraqi Christians to Participate in Upcoming Elections

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, the patriarch of the Chaldean Church, is calling on Iraqi Christians to take an active role in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

He emphasized the significance of updating electoral records and securing voter cards.

As reported by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, Sako highlighted the critical importance of ensuring that the five parliamentary seats designated for Christians are exclusively filled by Christian representatives.

This, he believes, is essential for maintaining accurate political representation and for ensuring that the Christian community has a voice in shaping the future of Iraq.

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Promotes Interfaith Dialogue During Historic Visit to Bahrain

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, made a significant visit to Bahrain last week, marking a historic moment for the Catholic community in the Gulf.

He was welcomed as an official guest of the Kingdom of Bahrain, where he expressed the Holy Land Church’s deep “spiritual ties” with the region.

The visit included meetings with various religious leaders and parishioners, including Archbishop Aldo Berardi, the apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia.

Cardinal Pizzaballa also presided over a Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, the largest Catholic church in the Arabian Peninsula.

During his homily, he stressed the importance of coexistence, tolerance, and respect amidst the challenges faced by the Middle East.

The cardinal also called for prayers for the Christian community and for peace and harmony between religions, which he believes are essential for a better future in the region.