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CWN - An Iraqi bishop has told Vatican Radio that Middle Eastern Christians outside Lebanon are eagerly awaiting Pope Benedict’s upcoming apostolic journey there.

“Despite all the difficulties that exist and all the worrying circumstances that there are in the Middle East, including Iraq, the Church awaits with great hope the Holy Father's visit to Lebanon,” said Chaldean Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni of Baghdad.

“There are still many difficulties, especially regarding security,” he added. “We hope, therefore, that this visit will bring much consolation, courage and so much support … As the Pope asks of us, we must love our land, we must grip on to our faith, our Church and to our land.”