The resignation of Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako as Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans has been accepted by Pope Leo XIV, according to Vatican News. The announcement was made on Tuesday, citing Canon 126 §2 of the Code of Canon Law of the Eastern Churches. The decision follows his request to step aside after more than a decade leading the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq.
In a letter explaining his decision, the cardinal indicated that he had first considered resigning two years ago upon turning 75 and had discussed the matter with Pope Francis, who encouraged him to continue at the time. He described his decision to step down as voluntary, stating that he submitted it to devote himself to prayer, writing and quiet service.
The patriarch was said to have led the Chaldean Catholic Church through extremely difficult circumstances. According to the letter, Cardinal Sako preserved unity within church institutions and worked to defend the rights of Iraqi Christians both in Iraq and abroad.
Reflecting on his 13 years of ministry in Baghdad, after earlier service in Mosul and Kirkuk, the cardinal reportedly expressed hope that the next patriarch would promote renewal, openness and dialogue.
He also disclosed details of his modest personal assets, stating that his true wealth lies in decades of devoted service and the numerous books and articles he has written.