Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon said it's a generous act but mean Iraq is left with no Christians at all.
Premier understands in the major city of Mosul, which was once a centre of Christianity in the country, there are now just 10 believer families left.
Many have been forced to flee their homes after Islamist militants threatened them with death.
The group ISIS, which has taken control of parts of Iraq, issued an ultimatum to them to pay a tax, convert to Islam, or be killed.
Speaking on Premier's MENA Analysis programme, international lawyer and church consultant Dr Harry Hagopian said the international community should be focussing on stopping the terrorist organisation.
"What are the powers going to do to those who fund ISIS or those who support ISIS and believe you me ISIS is support by a lot of people from within the region as well as outside.
"That is the question that needs to be addressed today."
You can hear more on Middle East North Africa Analysis on Thursday at 10pm on Premier Christian Radio.
Hear him tell Premier's Marcus Jones about the situation for Christians in Iraq here: