The Chaldean Church Celebrates Communion in Rome in Joy and Unity

The Chaldean Church celebrated communion in Rome on 14 October, marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia. The event signified the official declaration of ecclesial communion within the Chaldean Church, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle representing Pope Leo XIV. The celebration took place in the Vatican, where the Patriarch presided over a Mass according to the Chaldean rite in St. Peter’s Basilica the following day.

Twenty-five members of the Chaldean community in Switzerland participated in the celebrations, accompanied by their priest, Abbé Naseem Asmaroo. The event resonated with the faithful worldwide, as the language of Jesus was central to the liturgical celebration on October 15. The prayers and songs reflected the richness of the Chaldean tradition, bringing a sense of unity and shared faith to St. Peter’s Basilica.

These days also served as a reunion for diaspora communities, offering an opportunity to strengthen ties, share their faith, and reaffirm their belonging to the same Church. The Patriarch emphasized that communion in Christ respects the differences and dignity of all, without excluding anyone from love. He also highlighted the importance of passing on the faith to younger generations and preserving the Eastern Chaldean identity.

For the Chaldean community in Switzerland, the meeting was a source of encouragement and hope. It reinforced their sense of belonging to a living and universal Church. The experience of communion and fraternity inspired the faithful to continue their journey of faith in Switzerland and to pass on this spiritual and cultural heritage to future generations.

The Chaldean community in Switzerland consists of between 200 and 250 families living in about 10 cantons, primarily in German-speaking regions. Their numbers grew significantly in the 1990s and 2000s due to the Iraq embargo and the U.S. invasion, with additional members joining from Syria. Most of the faithful are Iraqis, many of whom have returned to their historic homeland in northern Iraq, while others remain in Switzerland, often losing the use of Syriac over generations.

The foundation of the Chaldean community in Switzerland dates back to 2017, following the first visit of the Apostolic visitor of the Chaldean Church in Europe. This visit marked a significant step in strengthening the Church’s presence and engagement with its diaspora in the region.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)