Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul reflects on city’s recovery and renewed trust on anniversary of ISIS invasion
MOSUL, Iraq — On the 10th anniversary of the Islamic State (ISIS) invasion of Mosul and Nineveh Plains, Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul Michael Najib shared insights with Vatican News about the region’s ongoing recovery efforts. He highlighted the efforts of the residents of Nineveh Plains to rebuild trust and foster economic recovery, despite the lingering impact of ISIS’s ideology.
Archbishop Najib acknowledged that while the situation has improved in Nineveh Plains, the return of Christian families to Mosul remains slow. He emphasized that the disaster affected all inhabitants, not just Christians, as those who stayed in Mosul under ISIS rule suffered greatly.
Since the region’s liberation from ISIS, significant progress has been made in rebuilding the infrastructure of Mosul and Nineveh Plains and restoring security and order. However, Archbishop Najib noted that many people remain hesitant and anxious about returning without sufficient guarantees.
He confirmed that life is gradually returning to towns and villages that were once looted and burned. Christians now celebrate holidays alongside Muslims, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect among Christians, Muslims, and Yezidis.
Archbishop Najib concluded by highlighting the positive exchange of visits between Christian and Muslim spiritual leaders, which promotes truth, dialogue, and the sharing of ideas.