Chaldean Patriarch Resigns After 13 Years Following Resignation Acceptance by Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Louis Sako, the Chaldean Catholic patriarch of Baghdad, marking the end of his 13-year leadership of Iraq’s largest Christian denomination. The Vatican announced the resignation under Canon 126, Paragraph 2, of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, which outlines the process for patriarchal resignations. According to the Vatican press office, the synod of bishops of the patriarchal church is responsible for accepting a patriarch’s resignation after consulting the pope, unless the patriarch approaches the Roman Pontiff directly.

Cardinal Sako stated that he had discussed his resignation with Pope Francis following his 75th birthday in 2024. However, the late pontiff had encouraged him to continue in his role. The cardinal said he decided “in full freedom” to submit his resignation to Pope Leo XIV, expressing a desire to “quietly dedicate myself to prayer, writing, and simple service.” He emphasized that his decision was voluntary and not influenced by external pressures.

In his statement, Cardinal Sako reflected on his 13 years as patriarch, describing them as “years of loving pastoral care, follow-up, and growing up” amid “extremely difficult circumstances” and “great challenges” for Christians in Iraq and the wider Middle East. He thanked God, the faithful of Baghdad, and the bishops, priests, and staff of the Chaldean Patriarchate, vowing to “not forget them in my prayers” and apologizing “to anyone whom I may have offended.”

Acknowledging the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the wake of the United States and Israel-Iran war, Cardinal Sako expressed hope that the next patriarch would possess “solid theological culture, courage, and wisdom – someone who believes in renewal, openness and dialogue, and who also has a sense of humour.” His remarks underscored the need for spiritual and pastoral leadership amid political and social upheaval.

In the same announcement, the Vatican also accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta of the Chaldean Catholic Diocese of St Peter the Apostle in San Diego. Bishop Shaleta was arrested at San Diego International Airport on March 5 and charged by California authorities. The details of the charges were not disclosed in the source material, but the situation highlights the complex challenges faced by religious leaders in navigating both spiritual and legal landscapes.

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