Farewell Message
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako
As I prepare to leave the Patriarchate Headquarters in Baghdad to settle at the seminary in Ankawa / Erbil, I would like to address this farewell message.
First, I give thanks to God for all the graces He has bestowed upon me, and to all those who have sincerely stood by throughout my service. I also express my gratitude to all those who were concerned about my resignation: patriarchs, cardinals, bishops, priests (both Eastern and foreign), and people of all faiths. Their words deeply moved me. I promise, to keep them all in my prayers.
I am pleased to join the Chaldean Church in praying for the current Bishops’ electoral Synod in Rome, that the Lord may enlighten them in electing the most suitable person to be their father, one who embodies their unity and ensures their vitality; one who loves and serves people, who rejoices in them and whom they rejoice in. However, it is important to affirm that I did not contact any bishop in terms of voting for anyone. My absence from this assembly is an expression of respect for the bishops’ conscience in making their choice, (whoever says otherwise lacks integrity).
Amid the complex circumstances and diverse challenges, I faced throughout years of my service, I tried to remain authentic in spirit to an enlightened faith, not merely clinging to a closed heritage. Thank God for His gift of courage that enabled to make others aware of the importance of the Chaldean Church and the Eastern Churches, locally and internationally. Over the past 13 years, a qualitative transformation has been achieved in the Chaldean Church, grounded in authenticity, unity, and renewal, as expressed in my patriarchal motto. Authenticity stems from the roots, the splendour of apostolic succession, and the beauty of tradition; yet it also arises from a sense of the necessity for renewal and updating. Tradition is not mummification, but a living spirit that continues with time in new forms. Unfortunately, this is what some people have failed to realize!
Since my youth and years of study, I have diligently followed the spirit of the Second Vatican Council and its great theologians: Concar, Schnot, Balthasar, and Rahner. In addition, to my participation in several activities since 2010, including: General synods of Catholic bishops in Rome; five-year presidency of the Catholic family within the Middle East Council of Churches. Such experiences taught me a great deal through listening, dialogue, and friendships.
In my literatures as a priest, bishop, and patriarch, I have explored, along with others, ways that enable the Church to carry out its liturgy, and its teaching (catechism) in a contemporary and understandable language, and to serve the poor more effectively. This is an essential and enduring characteristic in the life of the Church so that it does not lose its enthusiasm and vitality.
I have never been sectarian and have strived to unify the stances and discourses of the churches; I also called for changing the title from “Heads of denominations” to “Heads of Churches” and for amending the internal status. However, there was no response due to the allegiance of some churches to certain armed faction known for seizing the resources of Christians; I also supported Christian-Muslim dialogue, and we succeeded in dismantling the discourse of hatred. Hence, the Patriarchate has become a religious, national, and social reference, and I really hope this will continue.
Throughout my service, I worked to protect Christians deeply rooted in Iraq, supported and encouraged them to remain in their homeland despite injustice and unstable policies. I called for a civil state based on inclusive citizenship and equality rather than on religion, sectarianism, power-sharing or quotas. Following the statement of philosopher Leo Tolstoy entitled, “The homeland is not a piece of land or a group of people, but the environment in which human dignity is preserved”.
I have refused to submit to blackmail, bribery, or compromise and never ever bowed my head except for God in order to remain free and true to my conscience and my mission.
I have absolute trust in Divine Providence that “whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame” (Romans 10:11). Currently, I live in peace and tranquillity. Resignation is not the end of the world, it is a new beginning to live my consecration in a deeper and quieter way, and to serve with humility and invisibility.
Alongside this, I offer with love and sincerity my heartfelt recommendations to my brother bishops, priests, and the faithful:
To the bishops: Work as one team, respecting each other’s charisma in serving the Church with love and humility, and with steadfast commitment to the needy. Keep the flame of hope alive first in your own hearts, and in the hearts of your priests and faithful, as Saint Ephrem says: “As the bishop is, so is his flock” (Nisibis Hymns 19:2). He continues: “Bishop is the educator of faith and morals and the helper of the vulnerable”. Differences in ideas are natural, but they must not lead to division; let love prevail.
To the priests: Let Jesus be your example. Be distinguished by simplicity and zeal, and embody the Eucharist so that people’s trust in you may grow. Be witnesses to Christ and a sign of His presence in your daily lives. In light of the Saviour’s word: beware of money (Matthew 6:24).
To all faithful: Remain committed to your faith and Christian ethics, and do not be influenced by deceptive media. Hold fast to your Church, your Chaldean identity, your language, your community, and proudly carry the torch of your heritage.
Finally, I dedicate my service to prayer for the Church, its martyrs, and its saints, as well as for Iraq, a homeland for all, including Christians, whose roots lie there.
Note: Regarding the Handover
I personally have nothing to hand over to the newly-elected Patriarch. What I possess is the remainder of my salary, which is similar to that of any Chaldean bishop in Iraq, approximately $1,100 USD, my clothes, my liturgical vestments, and a valuable library containing key sources on the history and heritage of our Church, which I will later donate it to the seminary.
The financial office is not at the same camp of the Patriarchate; it holds all church funds. The Patriarchate has no money except what is sent monthly for kitchen expenses and car fuel. All transactions are documented by receipts under the supervision of the auxiliary bishop Basilius Yaldo. Knowing that the financial department holds today a large sum, unprecedented in the Patriarchate’s history.
The financial department maintains a list of the Patriarchate’s properties, including three primary schools and several kindergartens.
The Patriarchate has an account (small amount of money) at the Vatican Bank in Euro and USA dollars, which I have never used for personal needs. I used to pay my hotel bills, especially in Rome, and for those accompanying me. Sometimes I even pay tickets. I handed the bank card to the auxiliary bishop Yaldo.
Gold items, including valuable crosses, rings, etc.—all are listed, and the key has been handed to Bishop Yaldo. I did not use any of these items. The only piece of gold I have is a ring given to me by Mr. Antoine Hakim, a prominent member of the community in Lebanon.
I am ready to answer any questions from the newly -elected Patriarch.
Wishing you Blessed Easter Season with peace, safety, and joy to all.
9 April 2026
ملاحظة: هذا الخبر Farewell Message نشر أولاً على موقع (البطريركية الكلدانية) ولا يتحمل موقعنا مضمونه بأي شكل من الأشكال. يمكنك الإطلاع على تفاصيل الخبر كما ورد من (مصدر الخبر)
عرضنا لكم أعلاه تفاصيل ومعلومات عن خبر Farewell Message . نأمل أن نكون قد تمكنا من إمدادك بكل التفاصيل والمعلومات عن هذا الخبر الذي نشر في موقعنا في قسم أخبار مسيحية. ومن الجدير بالذكر بأن فريق التحرير قام بنقل الخبر وربما قام بالتعديل عليه أو الاقتباس منه ويمكنك قراءة ومتابعة تطورات هذا الخبر من المصدر.
