Chaldean Bishops to Gather in Rome to Elect New Patriarch

ROME — The Chaldean Catholic Church is preparing for a major synod in Rome beginning tomorrow, April 9, where Chaldean bishops from around the world will gather to elect a new Patriarch.

The meeting comes after the recent retirement of Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, leaving the leadership of the Chaldean Catholic Church vacant at a critical moment for Chaldeans in Iraq and throughout the diaspora.

The Patriarch serves as the spiritual leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church, guiding the faithful across Iraq, the Middle East, the United States, Europe, Australia, and other Chaldean communities around the world.

During the synod, Chaldean bishops will vote to determine who will lead the Church into its next chapter. The decision is expected to carry major significance, as the Church continues to navigate challenges facing Chaldeans in their ancestral homeland and abroad.

For many in the Chaldean community, this moment is not only about selecting a new religious leader, but also about the future of Chaldean unity, identity, and global representation.

The outcome of the synod will shape the direction of the Chaldean Catholic Church for years to come.