Iraq’s New Chaldean Patriarch Calls Faithful to Safeguard Christianity’s Ancestral Homeland

Patriarch Paul III Nona of the Chaldean Catholic Church delivered a homily during his installation as patriarch in Baghdad on May 29, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Church’s presence in Iraq. Speaking at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, he highlighted the vital role of the Chaldean Church in the East, particularly in Iraq, as foundational to its identity and survival. The patriarch urged the faithful to strengthen the Church’s presence in their homeland and throughout the Middle East, amid ongoing migration and displacement.

In his address, Patriarch Nona described the continued existence of the Chaldean Church in Iraq as essential to its perseverance as an ancient people with a deep historical and cultural legacy. He encouraged Christians remaining in Iraq, stating that their presence serves as a mission and a testament to the Church’s enduring continuity in its native land. The patriarch’s remarks were reported by Aid to the Church in Need, which noted the significance of the Church’s presence in the region.

Patriarch Nona previously served as archbishop of Mosul but fled with the city’s Christian population when ISIS overran the Nineveh Plains in 2014. He later led Chaldean communities in Australia and New Zealand for 11 years. Addressing the Iraqi diaspora, he urged them to view their displacement as a mission rather than a loss. “Look upon your presence in these lands as a mission,” he said, “You are sent to reaffirm the importance and the power of faith in societies that are all too ready to lose it.”

The patriarch also called for greater unity among Eastern Christian Churches, stating that differing traditions should be seen as a richness rather than a deficiency. “Our faith is one, and our witness must likewise be one,” he emphasized. This call for unity reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the collective Christian presence in the region.

Aid to the Church in Need, which has long supported displaced Christians in Iraq, noted that the country remains a priority for the charity. The organization provided over £28 million in emergency assistance to displaced Christians, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the community. The patriarch’s leadership comes at a critical time for the Chaldean Catholic Church, as it seeks to preserve its heritage and expand its mission in the face of adversity.

The installation of Patriarch Paul III Nona marks a pivotal moment for the Chaldean Catholic Church, as it continues to navigate the complexities of maintaining its presence in Iraq and the broader Middle East. His commitment to unity, mission, and the preservation of Christian heritage aligns with the Church’s broader goals of safeguarding its ancestral homeland. As the Church faces ongoing challenges, the patriarch’s leadership offers hope and a renewed call to action for its faithful.

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