Security fears prompt changes to Holy Week and Easter celebrations in Iraq

Iraqi Christian leaders have announced that Holy Week and Easter celebrations will be significantly curtailed this year. The decision comes amid escalating security concerns linked to the ongoing Iran war, which has increased the risk of attacks and civil unrest across Iraq. Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako and other church officials have urged the faithful to prioritize safety and limit public gatherings. This move reflects the deteriorating security environment for religious minorities in the region as geopolitical tensions continue to rise, following previous tragedies like the Hamdaniya fire and ongoing political disputes over church leadership recognition.