Pope pays tribute to late head of Assyrian Church of the East

March 30, 2015

Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolence to Mar Aprem Mooken, the temporary head of the Assyrian Church of the East, following the death of Mar Dinkha IV, who had led the church since 1976.

The church ceased to be in full communion with the Holy See following the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431). In the 16th century, some bishops from the Assyrian Church of the East sought full communion with the Holy See, giving rise to the Chaldean Catholic Church.

Because of persecution in the Middle East, the Assyrian Church of the East is now headquartered in Chicago.

“The Christian world has lost an important spiritual leader, a courageous and wise pastor who faithfully served his community in extremely challenging times,” Pope Francis wrote. “His Holiness Mar Dinkha suffered greatly because of the tragic situation in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and in Syria, resolutely calling attention to the plight of our Christian brothers and sisters and other religious minorities suffering daily persecution.”

“I give heartfelt thanks to Almighty God for the enduring commitment of His Holiness to improving relations among Christians and in particular between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East,” he added. “May the Lord receive him into his kingdom and grant him eternal rest, and may the memory of his long and devoted service to the Church live on as a challenge and inspiration to us all.”

In Baghdad, the Chaldean Catholic Patriarchate announced that it would cancel a traditional Easter celebration with political leaders, as a sign of solidarity with the Assyrian faithful mourning their leader. The Chaldean patriarchate said that prayers for Mar Dinkha would be included in the Holy Week liturgies.

Chaldean Patriarch Raphael Louis Sako said that he would continue pressing for ecumenical dialogue withe the Assyrian Church. He recalled that Mar Dinkha I had responded favorably to his call for such a dialogue. In light of the dangers facing all Christians in Iraq today, the Chaldean leader said, "Without unity, there is no future for us."

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Il cordoglio del Santo Padre per la morte di S.S. Mar Dinkha IV, Patriarca della Chiesa Assira d’Oriente (Holy See Press Office)
• The Chaldean Church participates in the mourning for the death of Assyrian Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV (Fides)
• Head of Assyrian Church of the East dies (CWN, 3/27)