Cardinal Louis Raphaël I Sako, patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans and head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq, on Tuesday, December 3, decided to cancel the Christmas and New Year's Day celebrations out of respect for the martyrs, for the wounded, and for members of the security forces as well as in solidarity with the suffering of their families in the wake of the demonstrations taking place in various parts of Iraq.

The statement issue by the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq states the following:

"There will neither be decorated trees in churches and squares, no celebrations marking this occasion nor well-wishes at the patriarchate. Prayers will be said for the souls of the victims with appeals for the quick recovery of the wounded. These prayers will also be dedicated to the restoration on normal life, attainment of a sublime homeland that incorporates all at its citizens with their various shades out the values of respect, equality, citizenship and the right to a decent life."

Cardinal Sako also called for making donations to the orphanages and hospitals for the purpose of purchasing medical supplies needed for the treatment of the wounded.