Patriarch Louis Raphaël Sako announced that he has submitted his resignation from the leadership of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and around the world after more than 13 years in the position. He stated that he made the decision of his own will in order to devote himself to prayer, writing, and service.
In a statement issued by the Patriarchate’s media office, Sako said he decided on the morning of March 9, 2026, to submit his resignation to Pope Leo XIV, who accepted it, with the official announcement scheduled for noon on March 10.
He explained that he had been considering resignation since turning 75 two years earlier and had raised the matter at the time with the late Pope Francis, who encouraged him to remain in office.
Sako stressed that the decision was entirely his own, saying, “No one asked me to do this; I requested the resignation of my own free will.”
He noted that he had led the Chaldean Church through “extremely difficult circumstances and major challenges,” emphasizing that throughout his years of service he worked to preserve the unity of the Church’s institutions and to defend the rights of Iraqis and Christians both inside and outside the country.
He added that the 13 years he spent as Patriarch were “years of loving care, follow‑up, and growth,” expressing gratitude to all who accompanied him throughout his priestly journey, whether in Mosul, Kirkuk, or Baghdad.
He also expressed appreciation for his assistants in the Patriarchate, including Bishop Basilios Yaldo, the Patriarchate staff, and the priests of Baghdad, affirming that he will remember them in his prayers.
Sako expressed his hope that the Chaldean Church in the coming phase will be led by a patriarch endowed with theological insight, culture, wisdom, and the ability for dialogue and openness, stressing that he will respect the new leadership and will not interfere in its work.
He revealed that he does not own a house or a car and that his personal savings amount to about 40 million Iraqi dinars, five thousand dollars, and five thousand euros—accumulated from his salaries over 52 years of priestly service—along with his share from the sale of his family home in Mosul. He noted that his true wealth lies in his service and the 45 books he has authored.