The Chaldean Synod has elected Archbishop Amel Simeon Nona as the new patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, replacing Cardinal Luis Raphael Sacco, who submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV on March 9 amid a financial and legal scandal involving a former Chaldean bishop in San Diego.
The election took place during the meetings of the Synod held in Rome from 9 April.
This election comes at a critical time for both the Chaldean Church and the wider region amid ongoing political challenges in Iraq and the Middle East, as well as internal ecclesiastical issues relating to unity and organization of church life, both locally and in the diaspora.
Following the election, the Chaldean bishops issued a statement saying: “After deep spiritual and fraternal deliberations, carried out in the spirit of prayer and ecclesial conscience, and taking into account the apostolic responsibility entrusted to them, the Synod Fathers elected the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in accordance with established canonical procedures. After completing the necessary ballots, and in accordance with the wish expressed by the Synod, His Excellency Archbishop Amel Simeon Nona was elected Patriarch of the Chaldean Church and chose the name His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona.
The statement continued: “His Beatitude accepted the election in accordance with canonical norms, expressing his reliance on the grace of God and his commitment to exercise his patriarchal ministry with fidelity and responsibility, in full harmony with the Fathers of the Synod, at the service of the unity of the Chaldean Church and its mission in the Motherland and in the Diaspora.”
The statement further said, “The Synod Fathers turn to the Good Shepherd Lord Jesus Christ and ask that He grant wisdom and strength to the Patriarch-elect.” “They reaffirm their belief that this ministry will contribute to helping believers strengthen their faith, enhancing their unity, and revitalizing the Church’s mission in bearing witness to the Gospel.”
The Synod also called on all members of the Chaldean Church – clergy and faithful alike – to unite around the new Patriarch and support him through prayer and sharing responsibility for the well-being of the Church and the development of its mission.
Nona was born in 1967 in Alqosh, northern Iraq. He was ordained priest in 1991 after completing his studies at the Patriarchal Seminary in Baghdad. He later pursued higher studies in Rome and received a doctorate in theological anthropology from the Pontifical Lateran University.
He served in the parishes of Alqosh before being appointed Archbishop of Mosul in 2009, during a period when violence against Christians was increasing in Iraq.
During the events of 2014, he left Mosul with his loyalists after the city was taken over by the terrorist group ISIS, marking a significant moment in the modern history of the Chaldean Church.
In 2015, the Holy See appointed him head of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Australia and New Zealand, where he continues his pastoral ministry among the Chaldean diaspora.
His appointment follows the resignation of Cardinal Rafael Sacco announced That he submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV of his own free will on the morning of March 9 so that he could “devote himself quietly to prayer, writing, and simple service.”
At this time controversy broke out within the Chaldean community.
Pope Leo XIV on March 10 accepted the resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Chaleta, the Chaldean Catholic bishop arrested in San Diego in March on charges of embezzling church funds.
Sacco had reportedly attempted to support or transfer the embattled bishop to a higher position, leading many to question whether the financial scandal played a role in the patriarch’s decision.
this story was first published By EWTN News’ Arabic language partner service, ACI MENA. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
