Chaldean bishops meet to elect new leader for embattled Church in Iraq
January 28, 2013
The Synod of the Chaldean Catholic Church has convened in Rome to elect a new Patriarch of Babylon.
The 15 bishops of the Chaldean Synod are meeting under the direction of Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches. After a spiritual retreat on Monday, January 28, they will precede to discussing the future of the Chaldean Church, which is centered in Iraq, and the election of a successor for Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly, who resigned in December at the age of 85.
As he welcomed the Chaldean bishops, Cardinal Sandri said that the election will be of “paramount importance” to the ancient Church, “especially at this delicate historical moment.” The Chaldean community has seen a drastic decline in the number of Christians living in Iraq since 2003.
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Further information:
- Vatican: Chaldean leaders gather for crucial election of new Patriarch (Vatican Radio)
- Patriarch of Iraq's ancient Chaldean Church resigns; Pope calls Synod to choose successor (CWN, 12/19/12)
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