His patriarchate in Iraq came at a fairly difficult time period. Before he became Patriarch he had been accidentally injured by shattered glass in an attack. Hence he has been strongly concerned about the security situation there. Although optimistic about the Iraqi elections he has expressed criticisms about upsurges in violences against Christians. He has taken efforts to improve the population's morale, maintain friendly relations with Islamic leaders, improve safety, and work for the release of kidnapping victims.