Amel Shamon, the new Chaldean Patriarch (Iraq) who replaces Cardinal Sako

Junno Arocho Esteves, OSV News

Iraqi Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona, who until now headed the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Australia and New Zealand, was elected Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, succeeding Cardinal Louis Sako.

Archbishop Nona was elected on April 12 during a synod of bishops convened in Rome, and chose the name Paul III, the Chaldean Patriarchate announced.

«His Beatitude announced his acceptance of the election in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the Church, expressing his trust in God's grace and his commitment to exercise his patriarchal service in a spirit of faithfulness and responsibility, in full communion with the Synodal Fathers and in the service of the unity of the Chaldean Church and its mission in the homeland and in the countries of the Diaspora,» the patriarchate stated.

Biography

Born in Alqosh, in the Iraqi plain of Nineveh, on November 1, 1967, the new Chaldean patriarch served as a priest in the diocese of Alqosh. He received episcopal ordination in 2010, which, at the age of 42, made him the youngest Chaldean archbishop in the world.

After his ordination, he served as archbishop of Mosul, a city to which he was displaced in 2014 due to the Islamic State invasion, the patriarchate reported.

«His Beatitude was also known for the depth of his theological thought, his human closeness to his people and his courage in bearing witness to the faith in the midst of difficulties, bringing a message of hope in the heart of pain and embodying the image of the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep,» the patriarchate said.

The Pope's message

Pope Leo XIV met with the Chaldean bishops on April 10, prior to their electoral process, and said that «the new Patriarch must be, above all, a father in the faith and a sign of communion with all and among all.».

While living according to Gospel values may be considered «countercultural and sometimes even counterproductive,» the Pope said, it is the right path «because love is the only force that overcomes evil and defeats death.».

The daily holiness to which the future patriarch is called, the Pope said, is «made of honesty, mercy and purity of heart,» reminding the bishops that «authority in the Church is always service and never hegemony.».

Reactions

Cardinal Sako welcomed the election of the new Patriarch and expressed his «great joy» at the news of the election. «On this occasion, I offer His Beatitude my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a reign full of achievements, progress and joy,» the Iraqi cardinal said. «Being a patriarch is not a title or an office, but a message of faith and loving service with courage and hope.».

The patriarchs of the region also sent their best wishes to Patriarch Mar Paul, among them Maronite Catholic Cardinal Bechara Rai, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.

In a telephone conversation with the Chaldean Patriarch, Cardinal Rai wished him «continued success in his pastoral and fatherly work and expressed his hope for cooperation between the Eastern sister Churches in the wounded Middle East.».

The Chaldean Patriarchate reported that Patriarch Paul thanked the Lebanese cardinal, «wishing him health and success, and praying for peace to prevail in the Middle East and throughout the world, in accordance with the appeals for world peace made by Pope Leo XIV.».

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, also expressed his joy for the election of the Chaldean Patriarch and congratulated him on behalf of «all the patriarchal vicars, priests and faithful of the Holy Land», and assured that he would pray for his new ministry.

Reactions in Iraq

Congratulations and best wishes also came from government authorities, including Iraqi President Nizar Amidi, who wished the patriarch «success and good fortune in fulfilling his spiritual and humanitarian mission.».

«While we greatly value the historical and national role of our Christian people, and their remarkable contributions to the building of Iraq and the establishment of a culture of diversity and fraternity, we reaffirm our commitment to preserve their rights and ensure their active participation in the progress of the nation,» Amidi wrote.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani echoed the president's words and expressed his hope that the new patriarch will continue «along the path of the leaders of the ancient Iraqi churches in the service of society and the strengthening of cohesion among the children of the same nation.».

The Prime Minister also highlighted the important role played by the clergy in society as «a fundamental pillar in consolidating national stability and harmony, and in presenting the national discourse in the face of various challenges.».

During the April 10 meeting, Pope Leo XIV asked the Chaldean bishops to remain messengers of peace «in a world marked by absurd and inhuman violence, which, in these times, is driven by greed and hatred.».

The Pope affirmed that the election of a patriarch is a «moment of precious ecclesial discernment» and added that the Chaldean Church possesses apostolic traditions «intimately linked to the places of origin of salvation.».