Meeting with members of the Chaldean Church during their Synod to elect a new Patriarch, Pope Leo XIV challenges the Chaldean Catholic Church to stay true to their long and storied mission of peace, especially “in a world marked by absurd and inhumane violence, which, in these times, is driven by greed and hatred.”
By Kielce Gussie As they visit Rome for the election of their new Patriarch, members of the Chaldean Church of Baghdad met with Pope Leo XIV in the Apostolic Palace on Friday morning. The Holy Father expressed his pleasure at being present with them during this “time of precious ecclesial discernment," and he extended his greeting to the clergy, religious men and women, seminarians, and the entire faith community of the Chaldean Church around the world. Pope Leo acknowledged the spiritual solidarity of people globally in “this moment, participating intensely through prayer.” Rooted in the Apostles In his greeting to the Chaldean Church, the Pope recognized the apostolic roots of the Chaldean Church, which represents “an ancient and fruitful tradition, which is intimately linked to the places of salvation’s origin." It is a historic tradition that brought the Gospel message beyond the borders of the Roman Empire and around the globe. He highlighted their role as guardians of a living memory that has been passed down throughout the centuries. “Your history is glorious,” the Holy Father noted. But it has not been an easy road. There have been “wars, persecutions, and tribulations that have affected your communities and scattered many faithful throughout the world.” Yet, these trials have shone the light of the witnesses of faith in different moments of history. A choice in a complex time Meeting during the octave of Easter, Pope Leo offered this liturgical time as an invitation to reject the fear of facing new and unexpected challenges and losing heart. He turned to their Synod meeting—the context in which they will elect a new Patriarch. This election is taking place in a “delicate and complex phase." The Pope urged the members to let themselves be guided by the Holy Spirit and choose someone living “most in accordance with the heart of Christ.” “The new Patriarch should be, above all, a father in faith and a sign of communion with all and among all,” the Holy Father stressed. Though a life lived according to the Gospel is “countercultural and sometimes even counterproductive," he argued in reality this way of life is the wisest. That is, “because love is the only force that conquers evil and defeats death.” The future Patriarch is called to a daily holiness, “made of honesty, mercy, and purity of heart," rather than making extraordinary gestures. His is a mission of listening and accompanying because “authority in the Church is always service and never hegemony.” He challenged the members not to be deceived by the world. Moreover, Pope Leo pointed out that the Patriarch should be an authentic guide who is close to the people he serves. He must be a man of prayer and one that is able to bear challenges with hope and realism. “I am with you” Over the last years, the Chaldean Church in Baghdad has faced a number of challenges, including mass migration of Christians from Iraq, attacks from the so-called Islamic State, and the revocation of legal recognition of the Patriarch’s role. In light of these and other events, the Pope expressed his solidarity with “the responsibility of the moment” they are living through. He stressed that he is with them during these trials that call them to “offer a response enlightened by faith and inspired by communion, even toward Christians of other denominations," which the Pope said is good to have good relationships of true sharing. Never be on the side of those who wield weapons Recognizing the contributions of the different previous Patriarchs to the Chaldean Church, Pope Leo specifically noted the most recent Patriarch, Cardinal Louis Raphaël I Sako, who served from 2013 until his resignation in March 2026. The Holy Father reiterated that this time is one of spiritual renewal. Be attentive and transparent in managing the Church’s assets; take to heart the formation of priests and support them; preserve the ineffable gifts of obedience and chastity; and accompany the lay faithful, urged the Pope. Closing his message, Pope Leo reminded members of the Chaldean Catholic Church they “are signs of hope in a world marked by absurd and inhumane violence, which in these times, driven by greed and hatred, spreads ferociously in the very lands that saw the rise of salvation." However, he warned, nothing is more important than the lives of the weakest, children, and families—“no cause can justify the shedding of innocent blood.” Be “tireless workers for peace” in Jesus’ name. You are called, the Pope stressed, to be “never on the side of those who yesterday wielded the sword and today launch bombs.”