Athanase Matti Shaba Matoka

Athanase Matti Shaba Matoka (20 June 1930 – 19 March 2025) was an Iraqi prelate of the Catholic Church who served as the archeparch of the Archeparchy of Baghdad Quotes Geographically we are at some distance from Rome but in our heart and in our prayers we are close. We are sons and daughters of the universal Church, we are part of one family and we embrace our father. Syrian Catholic Bishop of Baghdad: “In our heart we are with Rome”. Iraqi Premier: “A man who sided with the poor” (5 April 2005) Fides News Agency We plea for prompt action from the international community and beseech the Holy Father and the Universal Church to come to our aid. Today we can not help but hope and pray, entrusting our lives in God's hands. Archbishop Matoka: Terror knocks at the door of the Christians; the government is paralyzed (10 November 2010) Fides News Agency External links Category:1930 births Category:Catholics from Iraq Category:Syriac Catholic bishops Category:2025 deaths