Iraqi Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona was elected as the new patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church on April 12, succeeding Cardinal Louis Sako. The election took place during a Synod of Bishops convened in Rome, where Archbishop Nona chose the name Paul III.
The announcement is significant for the Chaldean Catholic community both in Iraq and abroad. As leader of one of the largest Eastern Catholic Churches, Patriarch Paul III will guide a church that has faced displacement and violence in recent years.
According to the Chaldean patriarchate, “His Beatitude announced his acceptance of the election in accordance with the requirements of the Church laws, expressing his reliance on God’s grace, and his commitment to exercising his patriarchal service in a spirit of fidelity and responsibility, in full communion with the Synod Fathers, and in service to the unity of the Chaldean Church and its mission in the homeland and the countries of the diaspora.”
Born Nov. 1, 1967, in Alqosh on Iraq’s Nineveh Plains, Patriarch Paul III served as a priest before becoming archbishop at age 42—the youngest Chaldean archbishop worldwide at that time. He previously led Mosul’s archdiocese but was displaced by Islamic State forces in 2014.
The patriarchate described him as being known for “the depth of his theological thought, his human closeness to his people, and his courage in bearing witness to faith amidst challenges.” Pope Leo XIV met with bishops ahead of their vote and said that “the new Patriarch should be, above all, a father in faith and a sign of communion with all and among all.” The pope also reminded them that “authority in the Church is always service and never hegemony.”
Cardinal Sako welcomed Archbishop Nona’s election: “On this occasion I offer Your Beatitude my sincerest congratulations… To be a patriarch is not a title or position but a message of faith and loving service with courage and hope.” Other church leaders such as Maronite Catholic Cardinal Bechara Rai also offered congratulations by phone call.
Government officials including Iraqi President Nizar Amidi expressed support for Patriarch Paul III’s mission: “We affirm our commitment to preserving [Christians’] rights… ensuring their active participation,” he wrote. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani echoed these sentiments about strengthening national cohesion through religious leadership.
Pope Leo called on bishops to remain messengers of peace amid global violence fueled by greed and hatred. He said electing a new patriarch represents “a time of precious ecclesial discernment,” highlighting how closely linked apostolic traditions are to their origins.
