The Iraqi prime minister has issued a decree recognizing Cardinal Louis Rafael Sako as the Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the World. This decree grants him the authority to oversee all Chaldean churches.

According to decree No. 42228, signed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Sudani on June 5, 2024, this recognition is in accordance with the fifth paragraph of Article 1 of the Supervision System of Religious Communities No. 32. The decree is based on an order from the Federal Court of Appeal on April 30, 2013.

The prime minister's decree reinstates Cardinal Sako's supervisory role over the Chaldean churches. All relevant parties are required to comply with this decree.

On July 3, 2023, the Iraqi presidency issued a decree to withdraw Decree No. 147 of 2013, which pertains to Cardinal Sako. Iraqi President Latif Rashid stated that the withdrawal of the presidential decree would not have any negative impact on the religious or legal status of the Cardinal. This is because Cardinal Sako was granted the title of Patriarch of the Chaldean Church by Pope Francis and the Catholic Church.