Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, primate of the Chaldean Church of Iraq, ended his self-imposed exile on April 10, 2024 and returned to Baghdad. In July last year, he had moved temporarily to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan.

For Iraq’s Christians, especially the Chaldean community in the capital, his return to the patriarchal see was a cause for rejoicing.

The patriarch’s sudden departure followed a controversial decision by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid to repeal a presidential decree issued by his predecessor that recognized the Chaldean primate’s religious and legal authority.

On 10 July 2013, the late President Jalal Talabani signed Decree 147. By recognising the patriarch’s appointment that year as head of the Chaldean Catholic Church “in Iraq and the world” and his authority as “responsible for the assets of the Church”, the head of state granted the patriarchate a form of "institutional recognition”.

Today came the turning point, with the patriarch’s return to Baghdad accompanied by Archbishop Thomas Meram.

Upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport, the Chaldean delegation was met by the Iraqi prime minister at the VIP Lounge before they left for the patriarchal see in a convoy of cars.

The patriarch’s return has set the Internet abuzz, with excited comments from hundreds of Iraqi Catholics, many of whom posted their reactions on the patriarchate's social media platforms.

"You are the symbol of our Church," wrote one Yousif Awnie Khadoor; “Thank God he has returned safely to his home," added Raeed Aessa, while Manhal Alsanati expressed feelings of "pride and gratitude” to “welcome [him] home. May his return reinforce the spirit of belonging and unity.”

"We thank you for the positions you have taken and the efforts you have made for the Church and the faithful," wrote Adnan A. Mansor Koro, while Amanj Nissan noted: "God opens a door to resolve all torpid issues, and the water returns to its natural flow.”

Finally, several Iraqi political and religious leaders reacted to Cardinal Sako’s decision to return to Baghdad.

“We are very pleased with the return" of the patriarch, wrote Ayatollah Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, on social media.

“As we welcome him, we hope that all outstanding differences will be resolved”, he added, expressing “our great pride for the Christian families" who make up the Iraqi mosaic.