Pope John XIV has granted ecclesial communion to the newly elected Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, Paul III Nona. This step is in accordance with the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
The Holy See Press Office published at noon today a letter addressed to Nona, signed by Laoun on April 24, in which the Holy Father responds to the patriarch’s request for ecclesial communion. According to Canon 76 §2 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, a newly elected patriarch must request ecclesial communion from the Supreme Pontiff as soon as possible after his election by the Synod of his Church, through a handwritten letter.
In his message, Laoun stated that he had received Nona’s letter following his election as Patriarch of Baghdad for the Chaldeans on April 12, 2026, by the Synod of Bishops of his Church convened in Rome. The Holy Father expressed his joy in granting the head of the Chaldean Church ecclesial communion with deep happiness. He considered this a sign of full communion with the Apostolic See and a bond of unity in the shared service of the Church and the building up of the Body of Christ.
The Pope offered fervent prayers that Nona may carry out the pastoral ministry entrusted to him with care, as father and head of the beloved Chaldean Church in its own right; that he may lead God’s people according to the heart of Christ, strengthening them in faith, hope, and charity.
The Holy Father also asked the Holy Spirit to support Nona in fulfilling the mission he has received so that the Chaldean Church—rich in its ancient apostolic tradition and distinguished by the witness of many martyrs and confessors—may continue proclaiming the Gospel with abundant fruit and a distinctive missionary spirit and may strengthen ecclesial communion in its homeland and in its growing diaspora.
The Pontiff extended his paternal greetings to the bishops of the Synod, the clergy, monks and nuns, seminarians, those discerning a consecrated vocation, and all lay faithful. He entrusted the patriarch to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and the protection of Saints Addai and Mari.
He recalled the enduring legacy of Saint Thomas and the living Chaldean tradition. He affirmed that Patriarch Nona, shaped by the wounds of Christ’s glory and the proclamation of his Lord and God’s mercy, is called to a path of faith requiring great courage and steadfastness—especially among many Chaldean faithful who face challenges with a firm faith that honors the Church.
Nona was granted the apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation in the Lord.”