On the occasion of the advent of the 2026 Gregorian New Year, a delegation from the Ahlul Bayt (P.B.U.T.) Cultural and Charitable Institute, one of the centers affiliated with the Religious Authority in Basra, Iraq, visited the Chaldean Church of the city and met with Bishop Habib for dialogue and discussion.

During the meeting, the members of the delegation extended their New Year greetings and congratulations to the Christian community of Basra. Bishop Habib expressed special appreciation for this initiative, describing the meeting as the most significant and influential encounter among all social groups in Basra.

In the course of the visit, Bishop Habib presented a collection of his authored works to the delegation of the Ahlul Bayt (P.B.U.T.) Institute.

The delegation also visited the temple of the Mandaean Sabian community in Basra, where they met with Sheikh Mazen Mandaei, the head of the community. The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening friendly relations among religions and denominations based on mutual respect and acceptance of others.

Sheikh Mazen Mandaei described the visit as a clear message to all segments of society, reflecting peaceful coexistence among the people of Iraq, particularly in the province of Basra, founded on mutual respect and dignity.

At the conclusion of these visits, a collection of publications by Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq Husseini Shirazi, may Allah prolong his life, was presented to the Christian and Sabian religious leaders.