Mosul: Archbishop Mar Shimon Daniel, head of the Ancient Church of the East in Iraq, stressed the importance of accelerating the reconstruction of damaged churches in Mosul, particularly the church in Al-Noor neighborhood on the city’s left bank, in order to preserve the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage and create suitable conditions for the return of Christian families to their ancestral areas in Nineveh Province.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Archbishop Daniel stated, “The destroyed churches are not merely places of worship, but a vital part of Mosul’s religious and cultural identity. Rebuilding them represents a message of hope and a symbol of the restoration of religious and social coexistence in the city.”

He highlighted ongoing coordination with the Nineveh local government and international organizations to help secure a safe and stable environment for returning Christian families, affirming that the church plays a role that goes beyond the religious sphere, serving as a pillar for rebuilding affected communities and promoting values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Muslims and Christians alike.

Archbishop Daniel also disclosed plans for more than 1,000 Christian families to return to Mosul in the near future, noting that this step will contribute to restoring normal life and reinforcing social balance within the province.