Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako Submits Resignation Letter That Ends 13 Year Patriarch Leadership of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Baghdad Iraq

In a surprising but carefully explained move, Louis Raphael Sako, the long-serving patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, announced that he has formally resigned from his role.

Sako revealed that on the morning of March 9 he submitted his resignation directly to Pope Leo XIV, stressing that the decision was entirely his own.

According to him, the pope accepted the resignation but agreed to delay the public announcement until noon the following day, honoring Sako’s personal request.

The cardinal explained that his intention now is to step away from leadership responsibilities and spend his remaining years in quieter pursuits — prayer, writing, and simple acts of service.

A Patriarchate Defined by Care and Difficult Circumstances

After more than a decade leading the Chaldean Church, Sako reflected on his time in office as a ministry filled with care and dedication.

He served as patriarch for 13 years, overseeing a community that has faced enormous challenges in Iraq, particularly following years of instability, conflict, and the displacement of Christian communities.

Sako said he worked tirelessly to protect both the Church and the wider Iraqi population, especially the country’s vulnerable Christian minority.

During his tenure, he tried to safeguard church institutions while advocating for equal rights and protection for Christians in Iraqi society.

The Age Factor and Earlier Plans to Retire

Sako’s decision did not come completely out of nowhere.

He noted that he had long planned to step down after turning 75, following earlier recommendations made by the Chaldean Synod.

In the past, he even discussed the idea with Pope Francis, who encouraged him to remain in office at the time.

Now, however, he feels the moment is right for new leadership.

The cardinal expressed hope that his successor will guide the Church with openness, dialogue, and strong theological understanding.

He also made it clear that he intends to respect whoever takes over and will avoid interfering in the future administration of the Church.

A Life of Service and Scholarship

Beyond his administrative duties, Sako emphasized that his greatest wealth lies not in material possessions but in his years of service and intellectual work.

Over the course of more than five decades as a priest, he accumulated modest savings from his salaries and inherited some family property.

However, he considers his real legacy to be the spiritual and intellectual contributions he made — including the 45 books he has written.

His writings often focus on theology, Christian presence in the Middle East, and interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

From Village Roots to Global Church Leadership

Sako’s journey began in northern Iraq. Born on July 4, 1948, in a small village near Zakho, he eventually rose through the ranks of the Church.

He served first as a priest in Mosul, later became bishop of Kirkuk, and finally patriarch in Baghdad.

He was elected patriarch on January 28, 2013, succeeding Emmanuel III Delly, and his appointment was confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI.

Years later, in 2018, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal in recognition of his contributions to the Church.

A Historic Moment: The First Papal Visit to Iraq

One of the proudest moments of Sako’s leadership came in March 2021, when Pope Francis made a historic visit to Iraq.

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It was the first time a pope had ever traveled to the country — a powerful symbol of solidarity with Iraqi Christians who had endured persecution and displacement, especially during the rise of extremist groups in the region.

Sako played a key role in supporting and welcoming that landmark visit.

Political Tensions and Church Conflicts

Despite his achievements, Sako’s tenure was not without controversy.

He clashed repeatedly with the Babylon Movement and its leadership, which he accused of taking control of political and financial resources meant for Christian communities.

In another major dispute, Abdul Latif Rashid revoked a presidential decree in 2023 that recognized Sako as patriarch and administrator of Church endowments.

The decision was described by the patriarchate as unprecedented.

The crisis led Sako to temporarily withdraw from Baghdad and relocate to Ankawa.

Months later, he returned after Mohammed Shia al-Sudani issued a decree reaffirming his leadership role and oversight of church properties.

Controversy Over Conclave Comments

More recently, some Iraqi media outlets stirred debate after reporting on Sako’s comments about his experience during the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.

Critics suggested his remarks might reveal confidential details about the conclave, whose proceedings are traditionally bound by strict secrecy.

The patriarchate responded by urging caution and accuracy, warning against misinformation circulating on social media and certain media platforms.

Impact and Consequences

Sako’s resignation marks a significant moment for the Chaldean Catholic Church.

The community — one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world — has already seen its numbers decline sharply in Iraq over the past two decades due to violence, migration, and economic hardship.

A leadership transition at this time could shape how the Church addresses key challenges, including:

• Protecting Christian heritage and institutions in Iraq

• Supporting displaced communities

• Strengthening relations with the Iraqi government

• Encouraging young Christians to remain in the country

The next patriarch will inherit both a proud history and a complex political landscape.

What’s Next?

The selection of a new patriarch will likely involve the Chaldean Synod of bishops, who traditionally elect a successor before the choice is confirmed by the pope.

Until then, Church leadership will continue managing daily affairs while preparing for the transition.

Sako himself has promised to step back completely from governance and allow the next leader to carry out the role without interference.

Summary

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako has chosen to step down as patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church after 13 years of leadership.

His resignation, submitted voluntarily and accepted by Pope Leo XIV, marks the end of a period defined by both spiritual dedication and political challenges.

From defending Iraq’s Christian minority to welcoming the first papal visit to the country, Sako leaves behind a legacy of resilience, advocacy, and scholarship.

Now, the Church begins the process of selecting a new leader to guide it through an uncertain but hopeful future.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako voluntarily resigned as patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church.

• Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation but delayed its public announcement at Sako’s request.

• Sako served as patriarch for 13 years, navigating major political and religious challenges in Iraq.

• He had previously planned to retire after turning 75, following earlier synod guidelines.

• His leadership saw historic moments, including Pope Francis’s 2021 visit to Iraq.

• Tensions with political groups and government decisions created major controversies during his tenure.

• The Chaldean Synod will now begin the process of choosing a new patriarch.

• Sako plans to spend his retirement in prayer, writing, and quiet service.