Cardinal Delly's Christmas appeal to Iraqis who have left Iraq: "Come home and help rebuild"

AP:

BAGHDAD (AP) -- The spiritual leader of Iraq's Catholics made a Christmas appeal Monday for all those who have fled Iraq to return and help rebuild their shattered homeland, acknowledging that fear still persists even as the country enjoys one of its most peaceful holiday seasons in years.

Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, leader of the ancient Chaldean Church, told The Associated Press at his guarded compound in west Baghdad that his message was one of love and charity for everyone.

''And for the emigrants to return home, to work for the good of their country and their homeland despite the situation which their country is in -- that is my hope.''