Syriac Catholic Church synod begins process of deposing Patriarch
September 17, 2026
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CWN Editor's Note: The senior bishop of the synod of bishops of the Syriac Catholic Church initiated the process of deposing Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Yonan, who has led the Eastern Catholic church since 2009.
On August 29, Pope Leo XIV amended the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches to grant Eastern Catholic synods the authority to remove Patriarchs and Major Archbishops when communion between the church’s head and synod has been “seriously and irreparably damaged.”
The Pillar reported that “dissatisfaction among Syriac bishops has reportedly centered around Youssif’s refusal to convene governing synodal meetings for the Eastern Catholic Church, despite repeated requests from bishops over the past three years.”
Under the procedures outlined in the papal letter, an Eastern Catholic synod may request the resignation of the Patriarch or Major Archbishop. If he refuses to resign, the synod may depose him by a two-thirds vote—but only if the Roman Pontiff consents.
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