Pope Recognizes Polis III Nona as Chaldean Patriarch

Pope Leo XIV has recognized Polis (Pablo) III Nona as patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldean Catholic Church. The recognition was communicated in a letter made public this Tuesday, though signed last Friday, just one day after the Pope’s return from Africa. The letter affirms Nona’s “admirable missionary spirit” and acknowledges his efforts to strengthen ecclesial communion within his own territory and among the growing diaspora of the Chaldean community.

Nona was elected by the Chaldean Synod on 12 April, the day before the Pope began his journey. In the letter, Pope Leo XIV expressed joy in granting him “Ecclesiastical Communio,” which signifies full communion with the Apostolic See. This recognition is a formal acknowledgment of the Chaldean Church’s unity with Rome, a requirement for the election of its patriarch.

The Chaldean Church is one of the six Patriarchal Catholic Churches, including the Armenian, Coptic, Maronite, and Melkite Churches. While the Patriarchal Synod has the authority to elect its own patriarch, the Pope must confirm the ecclesiastical communion. This process ensures the new patriarch’s leadership aligns with the broader Catholic Church.

In his letter, the Pope encourages Nona to guide the people of God “according to the Heart of Christ and confirming it in faith, hope and charity.” He also commends the Chaldean Church for its “very ancient apostolic tradition” and the “luminous witness” of its martyrs and confessors. Nona’s missionary efforts are described as “fruitful,” and the Pope prays for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as he continues his mission.

Amel Shamon Nona, originally from Alqosh in the Nineveh plain, was ordained a priest in 1991. He served as parish vicar in Alqosh from 1993 to 1997 and as parish priest until 2000. In 2009, he was elected Archbishop of Mosul with the consent of Pope Benedict XVI. He succeeded Faraj, who was murdered the previous year. When the Islamic State took control of Mosul on June 9, 2014, Nona remained in the city for several weeks before being forced to flee as the jihadist offensive spread. He relocated to Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, with many other parishioners.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)