Rome, Italy – In an atmosphere imbued with spirituality and a sense of responsibility for the future of Christians in the East and the world, the Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Church, in an official statement issued today, Sunday, from the Italian capital, Rome, announced the election of His Grace Bishop Emil Shimoun Nona as the new Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world. He succeeds his predecessor in leading the patriarchal throne. His Beatitude has chosen for himself the name Mar Paul III Nona.
Details of the meeting and the electoral process
This historic announcement came at the conclusion of the Synod sessions held in Rome from April 9 to 12, 2026. The sessions were presided over by His Grace Archbishop Habib Hormiz, Archbishop of Basra and Patriarchal Administrator, with the broad participation of the Synod Fathers.
The election process was conducted according to ecclesiastical rites after a series of profound spiritual and canonical deliberations. During these discussions, the Fathers focused their prayers on choosing a leadership capable of meeting the challenges of the present time. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening the Church’s presence and its humanitarian and national mission.
The new patriarch’s vision: Church unity and service
Following the announcement of the election results, His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona accepted the patriarchal mission with an open heart, affirming his complete commitment to serving with integrity and responsibility.
In his first address, His Beatitude emphasized the importance of close and collaborative work with the Synod Fathers to strengthen the unity of the Chaldean Church. He also indicated that his priorities would focus on caring for the faithful, both in their homeland of Iraq and in the diaspora, to ensure the cohesion of the ecclesiastical and social fabric.
Calls to rally around the Church leadership
In its concluding statement, the Synod called upon all members of the Chaldean Church, clergy and laity alike, to rally around their new patriarch and support him through action, perseverance, and prayer.
The Synod Fathers affirmed that the success of the new patriarch is a success for the entire Church, ensuring the growth of its mission and the steadfastness of its members in their faith and their living witness to the Gospel. Church and civil circles alike look forward to this new leadership contributing to the strengthening of historical ties. They also anticipate a revitalization of the active spiritual and social role of the Patriarchate in international and local forums.
