Pope Francis named fourteen new Catholic cardinals on Sunday May 20, again diversifying representation in the most elite body of church prelates with selections from places as far-flung as Iraq, Pakistan and Japan and solidifying his influence on the group that will one day elect his successor.

As the pope began to give the names of those he would make cardinals, the first pronounced was notable Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphaël I Sako, an Iraqi who often speaks publicly about the suffering his people have encountered after the U.S.-led invasion of their country in 2003.

The Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) conveys heartfelt wishes to Cardinal Sako on this nomination. The CCSM also sends good wishes to the Chaldean Church and the Christians of Iraq hoping that this nomination will further consolidate Church's message in the quest of peace and stability.