Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Friday, 22 May 2020
Iraq: Muslims help Catholics rebuild church in Mosul that ISIS destroyed

la-croix.com :

Many Christians in Iraq are "carefully watching what is developing in Mosul and whether it will be possible for them to return home"

Muslims are helping Catholics, despite the constraints of the coronavirus pandemic, to rebuild a church building in northern Iraq, once ruled by the Islamic State.

ISIS that ruled Mosul from 2014 to 2016, damaged or destroyed every church in the city including the 19th century built "Our Lady of the Hour" Church, popularly called Al Saa'a Church.

Currently, the church is being rebuilt through a partnership between UNESCO, the United Arab Emirates, and the Dominican order.

Established in the 19th century, the Our Lady of the Hour Church was the base for the Catholic parish in northern Iraq and Kurdistan.

ISIS not only destroyed and looted the church but drove out local Christians from the area.

The remnants of the church are evidence of the Christian presence the city once had.

Now, about 50 Christian families remain in Mosul, says Dominican Father Olivier Poquillon, according to press reports.

Many Christians in Iraq are "carefully watching what is developing in Mosul and whether it will be possible for them to return home," said Father Poquillon. The church renovation is seen as a welcoming sign.

The UAE has committed over US$50 million to rebuilding Mosul, including the Our Lady of the Hour church and the Al Tahera Church of Syriac Catholics.

Reconstruction of the churches would not have been possible without that contribution and is seen as "a model of engagement for the mutual benefit and full commitment of all in building peace," Father Poquillon said.

The UAE is also rebuilding the 12th century Al Nuri mosque in Mosul, which ISIS blew up in 2017.

"Some Christians are already working in Mosul, but the main challenge will be to rebuild trust among peoples and communities," said Father Poquillon.

Especially following COVID-19's impact on Iraqi people, society and economy, the project will play a role "in supporting the population in rebuilding the landscape of the city," according to Poquillon.