Following is the text of the address delivered by Patriarch Sako at the opening session of the Synod in Baghdad convening on 17-22 November 2025:

Dear Brothers,

I am pleased to greet you all here at the opening of 2025 annual Synod and would like to highlight the following important points related to the progress of our Chaldean Church and Iraqi Christians in general.

1. Leadership in the Church, is defined as spiritual stances, clear principles and values, as well as harmonic actions. Keeping in mind, that priesthood credibility should flow from our conscience; our ecclesial and moral responsibility; anticipations that Church has placed on us; and the public pledge we made on the day of our ordination. Therefore, I renew my call upon all fathers of the Synod to respect Synod’s decisions and find effective means to implement them in their dioceses as a sign of unity and episcopal collegiality.

2. The Synod is an Opportunity for Self-Examination, renewal, and strengthening of our affiliation with Christ and his Church, so that we may grow together. Hence, we dedicated the first morning of the Synod to prayer, reflection, and discernment.

3. The Church’s Missionary Task has been initiated by apostles (characterized by individual charisma) since the beginning of Christianity. This motivation must be firmly rooted in us, so that people may come to know God and Christ by all means. We must commit to a path of renewal in methods of catechesis, preaching, and liturgy so that they go in parallel with cultural and social changes in order to match the expectations of our communities in diaspora, while preserving authenticity and identity. We must also reflect on our mission toward the Muslims (majority) among whom we live.

4. Ongoing Formation of the Clergy must be comprehensive, solid, and sustainable so that they can fulfill their pastoral mission in the best possible way under these difficult circumstances. The annual spiritual retreat organized by the Patriarchate is not sufficient; each bishop must follow the formation of his clergy in faith and pastoral practice with the spirit of a loving father, wise and open-minded teacher, always remembering that we are fathers and not merely holders of authority. The true value of our authority is measured by the sincere service we provide in faith, love, and fidelity, following the example of Jesus Christ who was servant of all.

5. The Crisis of Vocations does not stem from the absence of young people willing to dedicate themselves, but from the toxic atmosphere that dominates currently through social media. They often suffer from psychological instability. On the other hand, criticism among clergy discourage them. We must care for vocations and nurture them with prudence. It is wise to scrutinize candidates for priestly and episcopal ordination, in terms of theological, spiritual, administrative, pastoral, and canonical competence, which ensures transparency, credibility, and success. Unfortunately, we receive complaints from time to time.

6. Relations with Other Churches. The current problem is not new; it might be a result of the absence of a sincere will for working as a team, while respecting the privacy of each partner. I have tried to bring Churches closer and have invited them frequently to get together, but such meetings did not taken place due to, either their political loyalties, or fear of losing influence if they joined us. Relationships must arise from sincere intent, not formalities; they must promote genuine joint work. This requires, openness, attentive listening, and rational dialogue. Recently I met with Their Holiness: Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II Karim, His Holiness Mar Awa III Royel, and His Beatitude Patriarch Yousef III Younan; I hope this will be a promising beginning.

7. Relations with Muslim Authorities are very good in Iraq. Our presence is effective in strengthening hope, and our witness is clear and fearless. We are committed to a life-long dialogue, relied on the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on relations with non-Christian religions, Nostra Aetate, which we celebrated its 65th anniversary earlier this year. We have advanced considerably by organizing many meetings on mutual interest issues, and we have been able to dismantle speeches of hatred, that has been concluded on the visit of Pope Francis from 5–8 March 2021, leaving a good impression on everyone for his personal simplicity, humility, credibility, and addresses. In spite of suspending some activities during COVID-19 pandemic period, we continued our visits and communications right after.

8. Relationship with the Government and Engagement with Politics. It is not true when some people accused the Patriarchate for interfering with politics. The Church, in its hierarchical role toward its faithful and others, should seek to enlighten consciences on issues that touch people’s lives, such as dignity and fundamental rights. Church should denounce injustice, calls for applying law, towards the realization of citizenship, in order to achieve peace and security. This is what we have done and continue to do. This must be a vital priority for every Church, as the Pope does at the universal level. Our Church has not enrolled in any political party, and never been “bought” or accepted support from any political faction. Our Church is defending and supporting civil order that treats all citizens equally. We all need to understand that we are fighting for our survival in the Middle East.

It is true that our Church is poor in terms of finance, but it is strong and alive in its faith and hope, trusting the Lord, despite many challenges. Our devoted service and presence have been noticed in Iraq and abroad.

A friend cardinal told me: Your Church is among the most Eastern Churches present in society.

Our Church can advance with greater dynamism, if it works in the spirit of one united team.

I thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon the Church through you, for the love He has planted in your hearts, and for your self-giving service to your flocks. I pray that God will reward all the faithful servants a hundredfold (Luke 12:42).

† Louis Raphael Card. Sako,

Patriarch of the Chaldean Church