Primate of the Chaldean Church of Iraq, Patriarch Card Louis Raphael Sako returned from his self-exposed exile in Erbil. Partiarch Sako moved the patriarchal see from Baghdad to Erbil in July 2023. His decision was a form of protest after Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid repealed a decree that gave institutional recognition to the Patriarch. Another reason was the self-claimed Christian leader Rayan the Chaldean and his Iran-backed militia and their claims on several church assets and properties.

Now the patriarch is back in Baghdad. Upon arrival, the patriarch had a meeting with the Iraqi prime minister before going to the patriarchal see. The return of Cardinal Sako gave joy and hope to the Christian community in Iraq.

Source: Asia News

Photo: MARCIN MAZUR