Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako as Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans and the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta from the pastoral governance of the Chaldean eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego (United States). Both decisions were announced in the official bulletin of the Holy See.
End of Cardinal Sako’s patriarchate
According to the Vatican, the Pontiff accepted the resignation presented by Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako in accordance with canon 126 §2 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
Sako, 77 years old, has been one of the most visible figures of Christianity in Iraq over the last decades. Elected patriarch in 2013, his leadership coincided with one of the most difficult periods for Christians in the country, marked by war, the expansion of the Islamic State, political instability, and a sharp decline in the Christian population.
During his patriarchate, Sako became one of the main voices in defense of Christians in the Middle East and actively participated in the public debate on the political and social situation in Iraq.
Political and religious tensions in Iraq
Cardinal Sako has also faced significant political and religious tensions in the country. In early 2026, several Islamic leaders publicly demanded his detention after a homily delivered during the Christmas Mass was interpreted as a political reference.
Read also: Islamic leaders demand the detention of Chaldean Patriarch Sako
These tensions add to other recent disputes. In 2023, the patriarch was involved in a confrontation with political authorities and a Christian militia linked to Iran after the Iraqi president revoked the decree that officially recognized his authority over Chaldean Church assets. At that time, Sako temporarily moved the patriarchal see from Baghdad to Erbil.
Chaldean Bishop of San Diego resigns
In the same bulletin, the Holy See announced the acceptance of the resignation presented by Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta from the pastoral governance of the Chaldean eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego.
The Pope appointed Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop, titular bishop of Hirta, as apostolic administrator sede vacante of this circumscription.
Criminal investigation in the United States
Shaleta’s resignation comes amid a judicial process in the United States. The bishop was detained on March 5 at San Diego International Airport when he allegedly attempted to leave the country.
San Diego County authorities charge him with several counts related to financial crimes, including embezzlement of funds and money laundering linked to Church resources.
According to the investigation, the case originated from a complaint by a member of the Chaldean community who presented documentation on possible economic irregularities in the diocese.
The prelate appeared before a U.S. court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The judicial process is ongoing.