The Chaldean Synod Fathers will meet Pope Leo XIV on April 10 in Rome amid preparations to elect a new Patriarch following Cardinal Sako’s resignation.
Newsroom (07/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a statement to Aci Mina, the Chaldean Patriarchal Administrator, Bishop Habib Hormuz, announced that the Chaldean Synod Fathers are set to meet with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on April 10. The encounter, to be held at the Holy See headquarters, will include the reception of the Pope’s apostolic blessing — a highly symbolic gesture marking unity and continuity within the Chaldean Church at a moment of transition.
Bishop Hormuz confirmed that the Synod Fathers have scheduled their gathering from April 9 to 12 at a monastery in Rome, located outside the ancient city walls. The meeting, called in accordance with the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, follows the formal declaration of the vacancy of the Patriarchal See. The Patriarchal Administrator had earlier informed the bishops and pastors of the Church about this development and the canonical requirement to convene the Synod.
According to Bishop Hormuz, the assembly will begin with a short spiritual retreat before moving into formal proceedings. The opening address, delivered by the presiding bishop, will provide a detailed overview of the Church’s condition and the challenges facing its faithful both in Iraq and in diaspora communities across the world. Following this reflection, each participating bishop will offer an intervention before the Synod commences the process of electing the new Patriarch.
Hormuz further explained that during the election phase, the presiding bishop would temporarily delegate his administrative duties to the most senior bishop until the new Patriarch is chosen. He indicated that the scheduling of the Pope’s apostolic tour influenced the timing of the April 10 meeting, a day reserved for the Synod Fathers to receive the Pontiff’s blessing. “We hope,” Hormuz added, “that the new Patriarch will have been elected before the meeting with the Holy Father, allowing His Beatitude to head the delegation.”
The leadership transition follows the resignation of Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako on March 9. Cardinal Sako, who served as Patriarch of the Chaldean Church since 2013, submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV, expressing his intention to “quietly devote himself to prayer, writing, and simple service.” The Pope promptly accepted the resignation, officially declaring the See vacant.
Under the canonical regulations of the Chaldean Church, the Patriarchal election is conducted by the Synod Fathers according to the precise procedures outlined in the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. The upcoming session in Rome, therefore, represents both a moment of solemn discernment and a sign of continuity for one of the oldest Eastern Catholic traditions.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Mina
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