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New patriarch assumes role in Iraq in one of Middle East’s most important Christian churches
His inauguration follows Cardinal Louis Sako’s retirement as Christians in Iraq continue to decline, with their numbers estimated at 150,000 from 1.5 million in 2003.
- On Friday, Polis III Nona assumed his duties as patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in the Iraqi capital. Born Amel Shamoon Nona, he previously served as Archbishop of Mosul and Archbishop of Sydney.
- Cardinal Louis Sako stepped down in March to pursue prayer, writing, and simple service. Nona was elected as his replacement on April 12, weeks before assuming his duties.
- Iraq's Christian population has declined significantly since the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. During Islamic State rule, Christians faced discrimination and church destruction before the group's 2017 defeat.
- Current estimates place the number of Christians in Iraq at 150,000, compared with 1.5 million in 2003. This represents a steep decline within a total Iraqi population exceeding 40 million.
- The Chaldean Catholic Church is an Eastern Rite institution in full communion with Rome. It claims links to the ancient Church of the East in Mesopotamia and remains prevalent in Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon.
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New patriarch assumes role in Iraq in one of Middle East's most important Christian churches
Polis III Nona has assumed his duties as the new patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church. He was elected on April 12, replacing Cardinal Louis Sako, who retired in March.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources10
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 20%
R 30%
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