Iraqi Christians Want Rights, Not Privileges

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Christians in Iraq are looking for fair treatment, not special preference, says the papal representative in this country.

"Christians in Iraq do not want any privileges; they only want their rights as citizens to be respected," said Archbishop Fernando Filoni in a homily on the occasion of the ordination of Louis Sako as the new archbishop of Kirkuk.

"As Iraqi citizens," the nuncio insisted, "Christians in Kirkuk will not fail to contribute to the good of the whole country."

Though elected to lead a local interim governing council, Archbishop Sako declined the leadership role.