Ishtartv.com –syriacpress.com

 14/04/2026

Following his election by the bishops of the Chaldean Catholic Church as Patriarch following the resignation of Cardinal Mar Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona received numerous congratulatory messages from heads of Churches.

Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II extended his best wishes “to our beloved brother, the new patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, His Beatitude Mar Paulos III, and to the entire Chaldean Church.”

Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mar Ignatius Youssef III Younan held a phone call with the newly elected Patriarch, offering fraternal congratulations in his personal name and on behalf of the Syriac Catholic Church. He expressed his joy at the election of the new shepherd of the sister Chaldean Church and wished him success in his patriarchal ministry, emphasizing the importance of brotherhood, love, wisdom, and prudence in pastoral leadership. He also affirmed his commitment to working together in a spirit of fraternity for the service of both churches.

Syriac Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai also contacted Patriarch Paulos III Nona, wishing him continued success in his pastoral mission and expressing hope for closer cooperation among the Eastern Churches.

In response, Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona thanked Patriarch al-Rai for his call and prayers, and expressed his own hopes for peace in the Middle East and across the world, echoing the appeals of Pope Leo XIV for global peace.

Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel issued a congratulatory statement recalling years of personal acquaintance and friendship with the new Patriarch. He expressed his aspiration to work closely together for the good of their people and the broader Church, particularly in Iraq.

Patriarch of the Ancient Church of the East Mar Gewargis III Younan also extended his congratulations, describing the patriarchal office as a high calling rooted in apostolic service. He emphasized the importance of preserving the faith, strengthening hope, and providing a unifying voice at a time of growing challenges. He also highlighted the deep fraternal ties between the two Churches and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening cooperation in service and witness.

Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian expressed his “ecclesial joy,” describing the election as a sign of grace and blessing for the universal Church. He emphasized that the patriarchal ministry is an apostolic mission guided by faith and the Gospel and prayed that the new Patriarch’s service would be fruitful and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Congratulatory messages also came from beyond ecclesiastical circles. The Global Chaldean League issued a statement praising Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona as a worthy successor, citing his wisdom, pastoral vision, and dedication. The organization affirmed its full support for the new leadership and expressed hope that his tenure would strengthen unity, safeguard the rights of the Chaldean people, and reinforce their presence both in their ancestral homeland and across the diaspora.