A video planned to be sent to Erbil on Saturday shows Pope Francis speaking to Iraqi Christians, recognising their perseverance over the hardship they endure under ISIS regime.
In the video, the Pope described Christians in Iraq as "rod that bends that does not break" as a message of encouragement from enduring persecution. There were more than 10,000 Christians fled to Erbil, from Mosul, when the Islam militants conquered their homes.
"Today I wish to draw closer those of you who tolerate this suffering, and to be close to you ," said the holy father. "And I think of St Therese of the Baby Jesus, who said that she and the Church were like a rod: when the wind rises and the storm comes, the rod bends but it does not break."
"At the moment, you are like this rod: you bend painfully, but you have the strength to carry forth your faith, which is a testimony to us. You are God's rod today! The rods that bend under this ferocious wind, but then rise up again," he said with great commendation.
He also expressed gratitude by thanking them of not denying their faith even under "inhuman violence." Their perseverance, he said, was a "gift of the Holy Spirit."
He hoped to reach the Christian in the region and initiate international collaboration to end violence and conflict. The pope already visited Turkey and took action to bring peace among Muslims. He prayed at Blue Mosque and declared that it was wrong to associate Islam with violence.
"You are in my heart and my prayers," said the pope concluded.
Amy is a Press Services International Columnist from Adelaide. She has a BA in Creative Writing and Screen & Media, and now works as a freelance photographer, videographer and writer. She was runner-up in the 2018 Basil Sellars Award. Her previous articles can be viewed here: http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/amy-manners.html