Baghdad: Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako has formally resigned from his role as Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Baghdad, with his resignation accepted by Pope Leo XIV in accordance with Canon 126 §2 of the Code of Canon Law of the Eastern Churches.
The announcement marks the end of more than a decade of leadership for the Chaldean Catholic Church’s highest authority, during which Cardinal Sako guided the community through some of the most turbulent periods in modern Iraqi history.
In a letter released on Tuesday, Cardinal Sako clarified that his decision to step down was entirely voluntary. He explained that he had first contemplated resigning two years ago when he turned 75, the customary age for church leaders to offer their resignation. At that time, he discussed the matter with Pope Francis, who encouraged him to remain in office.
According to the Cardinal, his eventual decision to submit his resignation to Pope Leo XIV was motivated by a desire to devote the coming years to a quieter life centered on prayer, writing, and modest service to the Church.
“To avoid any misunderstanding, I want to affirm that this decision was taken freely and without pressure from anyone,” he wrote in the letter.
Reflecting on his tenure, Cardinal Sako acknowledged that his leadership coincided with some of the most challenging circumstances faced by Christians in Iraq. Years marked by political instability, conflict, and displacement created significant challenges for the Chaldean Catholic community.
“I have led the Chaldean Church under extremely difficult circumstances and amid great challenges,” he wrote. “Despite these obstacles, I worked to preserve the unity of its institutions and defended the Church with all the strength I could.”
He emphasized that his ministry extended beyond ecclesiastical duties, as he consistently advocated for the rights of Iraqi citizens and the Christian minority both within the country and internationally.
Cardinal Sako described his thirteen years as Patriarch in Baghdad as a period of pastoral dedication and growth. Expressing gratitude to God, he thanked those who supported him throughout his life of ministry from his early years as a priest in Mosul, to his service as bishop in Kirkuk, and finally as patriarch.
He also acknowledged the assistance of colleagues and collaborators who helped sustain the Church’s mission during difficult times.
Looking toward the future, Cardinal Sako expressed hope that the Chaldean Catholic Church would be entrusted to a leader capable of guiding it through renewal and dialogue.
He said the next patriarch should possess strong theological knowledge, courage, and wisdom, while also embracing openness and constructive engagement with society.
According to him, the Church in Baghdad requires “someone who believes in renewal, openness, and dialogue,” and even someone with a sense of humor qualities he believes are essential for leadership in challenging times.
In the letter, the Cardinal also shared personal details about his financial situation and testament. He noted that he had drafted his will during his priesthood and revised it several times over the years.
He disclosed that his savings amount to roughly forty million Iraqi dinars, along with five thousand U.S. dollars and five thousand euros. These funds, he said, came from his salary during 52 years of priestly service and the sale of his family home in Mosul.
Cardinal Sako also stressed that he owns neither a house nor a car. Instead, he described his true legacy as his lifelong service to the Church and his scholarly contributions, including 45 books and numerous academic and pastoral articles.
With his resignation accepted, the Chaldean Catholic Church now prepares for the selection of a new patriarch who will lead the historic Eastern Catholic community into its next chapter.