In the last month, Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq announced his withdrawal from his seat in Baghdad after Iraqi President Abdul Rashid revoked a decree recognizing him as head of the Christian Church in Iraq. Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako of Baghdad is currently living in a self-imposed exile in Kurdistan. Patriarch Sako declared that it is part of a bid to wrest control of the Church’s assets and thus left Baghdad in protest. Patriarch Sako is a devout Christian leader of the East and is known for his stand on justice issues in Iraq.
Heavenly Father, we are thankful for Bishop Sako and the work of the Church in Iraq. We pray for justice and peace to reign in that region and we ask that Bishop Sako to be encouraged by Your presence and our solidarity.
Lord, in your mercy…