Iraq: Patriarch Louis Sako baptises 30 newborns in Baghdad

Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Sako, celebrated Epiphany Mass at a packed St Joseph's Cathedral in Baghdad yesterday, January 6, 2015. During the Mass he baptised 30 newborn babies. The Patriarch was assisted throughout the celebration by Bishop Shlimon Wardoni and a contingent of priests and deacons.

Over the past ten years, many Christian churches in Baghdad, including St Joseph's, have suffered attacks, but the communities are surviving.

In his homily the patriarch said: “To celebrate the baptism of so many children during Epiphany is a sign of hope and confidence in our future”.