Statement of the Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Church Presided Over By His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Polis III Nona
Baghdad - June 1, 2026
Below you can find the Statement issued by the Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Church, presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Polis III Nona, Chaldean Patriarch in Iraq and the world - Baghdad, June 1, 2026.
The Fathers of the Synod of the Chaldean Church, under the presidency of His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Polis III Nona, held the first synodal session of his patriarchate on June 1, 2026, at the Chaldean Patriarchal Headquarters in Al-Mansour, Baghdad. Fourteen bishops participated in the session. Travel difficulties and related circumstances prevented the participation of the bishops from the United States of America.
His Beatitude opened the synod with a paternal address inspired by the words of the Lord Jesus: “Do not be afraid; only believe!” (Mark 5:36). He emphasized that the Chaldean Church is called to face the challenges of the present with hope and confidence in God’s providence, and to continue her mission in a spirit of unity, communion, and shared responsibility. He stressed the importance of strengthening and deepening the synodal spirit as an essential part of the tradition of our Church, as well as the need for teamwork, cooperation, and overcoming everything that weakens or hinders the mission of the Gospel. He also affirmed the necessity of continuing to develop ecclesiastical institutions and enhancing the effectiveness of the Patriarchal Curia and the Permanent Synod in a manner consistent with the needs of the current era and the Church’s requirements both in the East and throughout the diaspora.
His Beatitude, on behalf of the Chaldean Synod, expressed special gratitude to His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako for all the effort and dedication he offered throughout the years of his service to the Church, praying to the Lord to grant him rest, peace, and good health. He also extended his thanks to all the patriarchs, dignitaries, and ecclesiastical and civil officials for their congratulations on the occasion of his election.
His Beatitude highlighted the importance of caring for the clergy and priestly formation, stressing the ongoing need to foster the spiritual, human, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions of priests’ lives, and to strengthen the role of the Patriarchal Seminary in forming priests who are deeply rooted in the faith and Chaldean heritage, enabling them to meet the challenges of ecclesial ministry in a changing world.
He further emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between the Church in the homeland and the Churches of the diaspora, preserving ecclesial unity and Chaldean identity, and safeguarding and promoting the Church’s liturgical, spiritual, and cultural heritage among the faithful and younger generations. He also encouraged the continuation and strengthening of fraternal relations with sister Churches and the deepening of dialogue and cooperation with various religious communities for the common good and the mission of the Church in society.
The bishops discussed the overall vision for the work of the Chaldean Church in the coming period and the means of improving pastoral, administrative, and institutional performance at both the patriarchal and diocesan levels, so as to respond more effectively to the challenges facing the Church and her faithful. The bishops also considered the organization of the work of the Patriarchal Curia and the Permanent Synod and examined a number of proposals aimed at enhancing coordination, follow-up, and the development of mechanisms for joint ecclesial work.
The Fathers of the Synod also addressed the topic of the selection and election of bishops, discussing a number of canonical and pastoral aspects related to this important matter in the life of the Church, with a view toward choosing capable shepherds who can serve the People of God and meet the needs of the various dioceses.
The bishops further discussed the importance of strengthening synodal work through specialized committees dedicated to different aspects of the Church’s life and mission. Accordingly, the Synod entrusted several bishops with preparing specialized studies concerning the nature, mission, objectives, competencies, and methods of operation of the proposed synodal committees, to be presented at the next synodal session. Nine committees were designated: 1. Canonical Committee 2. Liturgical Committee 3. Catechetical Committee 4. Pastoral Committee 5. Family and Youth Committee 6. Clergy and Formation Committee 7. Chaldean Heritage Committee 8. Safeguarding and Compliance Committee 9. Diaspora Committee
The Fathers of the Synod also examined the current situation of the Patriarchal Seminary and ways to further develop its formation program, affirming the importance of providing an integrated formation for candidates to the priesthood, based on human, spiritual, theological, and pastoral maturity, so that they may serve the Church faithfully and effectively.
His Beatitude listened to the bishops’ views regarding the needs and pastoral priorities of their dioceses as part of the preparations for the next Synod, which is scheduled to be held in Rome in October. This session will follow the Mass of Ecclesial Communion that will be presided over by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on October 14, 2026. The bishops also identified issues requiring further study and follow-up at the level of the Chaldean Church.
At the conclusion of its work, the Fathers of the Synod reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their common mission in a spirit of communion and shared responsibility for the good of the Chaldean Church and her mission. They prayed that the Lord would strengthen the sons and daughters of the Church in Iraq and throughout the diaspora and guide her by the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that she may remain a witness to the Gospel and an instrument of hope and peace in the societies in which she lives.
This Statement was originally published on the Website of the Chaldean Church.