Marian calls from Iraq

Catholic Faith in Mesopotamia

Iraq is the cradle of Mesopotamic civilization and land of ancient Christian presence. The Caldea Catholic Church, one of the oldest in the world, has kept Marian devotion alive over centuries of persecution and challenges.

Main data

Our Lady of Liberation (Baghdad)

La Caldea Cathedral of Santa Maria in Baghdad is the center of Catholic life in Iraq. This advocation has been a symbol of hope for the Catholic community that has suffered persecution throughout history.

Our Lady of the Añil (Mosul)

In Mosul, the Caldea Catholic community is coming to the Virgin of the Añil, ancient advocation linked to the mesopotamic tradition. This devotion has survived recent conflicts and is a witness of faith.

Important sanctuaries

Among the most important Catholic shrines in Iraq are the Caldea Cathedral of Baghdad, the Mosul Cathedral, the Church of Santa Cruz in Alquoch and the churches of the Nineveh Valley.

Popular devotions

The main devotions include the community rosary, the novenas to the Virgin, the celebration of the month of May and the processions with Marian images. The Chaldean Catholics maintain alive liturgical traditions that go back to the first centuries of Christianity.

Current situation

The Catholic Church in Iraq has suffered much from recent conflicts, but the community keeps its faith alive. More than 300,000 Catholics live in Iraq, mainly of a caldeo rite. The 17 dioceses and eparchies bear witness to the richness of this tradition.