German Delegation Explores Christian Heritage and Academic Collaboration at Catholic University in Erbil

The Catholic University in Erbil (CUE) recently welcomed a high-level German delegation led by His Excellency Dr. Udo Markus Bentz, Archbishop of Paderborn, and Mr. Matthias Kopp, Head of the Press Department of the German Bishops’ Conference. Their visit underscored the growing partnership between Iraq and Germany’s religious and academic communities, with a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering educational exchanges.

Dr. Kopp, a frequent visitor to Iraq, spoke passionately about the significance of CUE. “It’s good that we have this university. It’s necessary for this country, and for the international context,” he said. Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the university, Dr. Kopp noted, “I have been here many times from the very beginnings of the university, and it’s remarkable to see its progress.”

During the visit, Dr. Kopp presented his newly published book, Iraks christliches Erbe (The History of Christianity in Iraq). The book offers a comprehensive look at Christianity’s two-thousand-year presence in Iraq, with a particular focus on the last few decades, from Saddam Hussein’s regime to the present day. “I wanted to cover this long history in one book,” Dr. Kopp explained. “It’s huge—870 pages—but it’s essential to show not just the survival of Christianity in Iraq, but why it has a future here.”

The presentation at CUE was especially meaningful for Dr. Kopp, as it was his first time unveiling the book on an Iraqi campus. “It’s an honor to present here, especially in Erbil, as part of my travels to Berlin, Rome, and Cologne,” he added. “And I hope this signals to the young people here that Europe is interested in Iraq.”

The visit also highlighted the positive developments in Iraq’s infrastructure and academic environment. “I see that the infrastructure is much better—not just at the university, but in the whole country,” Dr. Kopp remarked. “But I also understand there are fears, especially among the youth. They ask, ‘Will we have peace? Will we be safe in the future?’ We must work together, Europe and Iraq, to secure a future for Christians here.”

Archbishop Dr. Udo Markus Bentz shared his admiration for the resilience of Iraq’s youth, particularly the way they engage across religious boundaries. “It really touched me to see so many young people, Christian and Muslim, coming together as a community,” he said. “They know that their unity will help improve the society’s situation. Education is a base for their future life, and as the German Church, we want to support such developments.”

Dr. Bentz also emphasized the importance of ecumenical and interfaith cooperation. “The young people here understand that it’s not just about their church, but about working together across religious lines. This unity is vital for Iraq’s future.”

Reflecting on the broader role of Christianity in Iraq, Dr. Bentz noted, “The Christian faith belongs to Iraq—not just spiritually but culturally. Christianity can make an enormous contribution to the peaceful future of Iraq.” He urged further study of the Christian history of Iraq, particularly in light of Pope Francis’s involvement in peace efforts.

The visit underscored the importance of nurturing relationships between Europe and Iraq, as well as the role of education in fostering mutual understanding, peace, and progress. CUE’s commitment to building a diverse and inclusive academic community is an essential part of this ongoing collaboration, with both Dr. Kopp and Dr. Bentz reaffirming their support for the university and its students.