After a nine-month absence
Patriarch Sako makes first public appearance in Baghdad
BAGHDAD — Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, the leader of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and globally, made his first public appearance in Baghdad on April 12, marking his return to the capital after a nine-month absence.
Sako left Baghdad for Erbil in July 2023 following a decree by President Abdul Latif Rashid that revoked a 2013 decision by then-President Jalal Talabani, which formally recognized Sako as “Patriarch of the Chaldeans in Iraq and the world” and entrusted him with managing the church’s endowments.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Patriarch Sako expressed his happiness about his return and highlighted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s supportive stance towards the Christian community.
Patriarch Sako attended a prayer service at St. Joseph’s Church near the National Theater before holding a press conference to mark his return. He shared his sentiments about being back in Baghdad, describing the day as a festive occasion greeted with joy by the people. “As you can see, this return to Baghdad is like a festival, and the people are joyful. I am here to care for and follow up on their affairs, and I thank God for everything,” said Patriarch Sako.
It remains uncertain if President Rashid has officially acknowledged Cardinal Sako as the leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church and custodian of its property, a condition previously stipulated by Sako for any potential return to Baghdad last year.
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