Head of Chaldean eparchy in NZ and Australia elected Patriarch

The election took place at the Chaldean Synod in Rome on April 9. Former Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV on March 9.

The Chaldean bishops said after the election Archbishop Nona “chose for himself the name His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona”.

“His Beatitude accepted the election in accordance with canonical norms, expressing his reliance on God’s grace and his commitment to exercise his patriarchal ministry with fidelity and responsibility, in full communion with the Fathers of the Synod, in service of the unity of the Chaldean Church and its mission in the homeland and the diaspora,” a statement said.

Auckland Bishop Steve Lowe said Archbishop Nona’s ministry to the Chaldean community in New Zealand has been appreciated.

“Archbishop Nona has served in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, and his courage and faithfulness in the face of great challenges are among his many attributes. The Bishops of New Zealand offer our prayers for him as he takes on this new global mission,” Bishop Steve said.

The Synod also called on all members of the Chaldean Church – clergy and faithful alike – to unite around the new Patriarch and support him through prayer and shared responsibility for the good of the Church and the growth of its mission.

Formerly the Archbishop of Mosul in Iraq, during the events of 2014 then-Archbishop Nona left the region along with his faithful following the takeover of the city by the terrorist group ISIS.

In 2015, the Holy See appointed him head of the Chaldean Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle in Australia and New Zealand. He has been based in Sydney.

He visited Auckland in January this year where he celebrated Masses and addressed young people at the Chaldean Youth Convention.

His talk at the convention, titled “Consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord”, invited young people to reflect deeply on their Christian identity and their daily walk of faith.

Drawing from the words of Saint Paul, he encouraged young people to embrace a life transformed by Christ, one that turns away from sin and lives fully in the grace, freedom and hope found in the Lord.

FULL STORY

Chaldean Church chooses Archbishop Amel Nona as patriarch, succeeding Cardinal Sako (EWTN News)

News Details :: St. George Chaldean Catholic Parish, Melbourne – Australia