SOUTHFIELD, Michigan (AP) -- Iraqi Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly is touring the United States as part of an effort to call attention to the plight of those in his country since the U.S.-led war began.

The religious leader in the Chaldean community visited the Detroit suburb of Southfield on Tuesday. The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press report he says Iraqis need better security from U.S. and coalition forces.

He describes the last five years as the "worst time" he's seen in his life.

The Chaldean church is an Eastern-rite denomination aligned with the Roman Catholic Church that recognizes the authority of the pope. Chaldean Catholics make up a tiny minority of the current Iraqi population.

The Detroit area has a large population, including Chaldeans, with roots in the Middle East.