Rahi, Scola Travel to Erbil in 'Message of Support' to Christians
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi and the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Angelo Scola, traveled to the Iraqi Kurdish region of Erbil to “send a message of support” to the Christians there.
“Our trip to Erbil carries a message of solidarity with the Christians,” Scola told Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) ahead of the visit.
Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Thursday quoted Bkirki sources as saying that when al-Rahi informed the Vatican about his plan to visit Erbil, church officials sent Scola as an envoy to accompany the Maronite patriarch.
They are also accompanied by several members of the Lebanese Council of Maronite Bishops.
Their trip is aimed at stressing to the Christians in the region, the Vatican's interest in solving the problems they are facing, said the sources.
Al-Rahi and Scola are scheduled to meet with top officials in Erbil and the heads of Christian churches, they added.
The patriarch last visited Erbil in August 2014.
In his remarks to VDL, Scola said he was optimistic that the Lebanese people would be able to overcome the country's political crisis and the difficulties it is facing.
“Lebanon is known by its coexistence,” he said.
G.K.
D.A.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/182502 |