Chaldean leaders gather for crucial election of new Patriarch
January 29, 2013: The ‘delicate historical moment’ that the ancient Chaldean Church
of Babylon is experiencing and the need for unity in its leadership were the chief
concerns expressed Monday morning as the Patriarchal Synod opened here in Rome. Convoked
by Pope Benedict XVI, under the Presidency of Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of
the Congregation for Eastern Churches, the Synod has the task of electing a new Patriarch,
Pater et Caput of the Chaldean Church, to succeed Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly. The
Synod is comprised of fifteen bishops, who have come mainly from Iraq, ancestral home
of the Chaldean Church, but also from neighbouring Iran, Syria and Lebanon as well
as representatives of the growing Chaldean Diaspora in Australia and North America.
At
the opening proceedings on Monday morning, Cardinal Sandri underscored the crucial
timing of the Synod. In his brief discourse the prelate, a bridge between the ancient
Eastern Churches and Rome, had two main concerns: Firstly the ‘delicate historical
moment’ of the Chaldean Church and secondly the need for unity in its leadership. He
stated: “this act of election of a new Patriarch of paramount importance before God,
the Church and all the faithful … especially at this delicate historical moment, is
the equal responsibility of each bishop”. On this, he added, depends “the very future
of the Chaldean Church, Her tradition and heritage, her ecclesial, social and historical
circumstances, the elaboration and application of pastoral guidelines”.
Cardinal
Sandri concluded: “The Chaldean Church invites you to make the necessary sacrifices
through the eyes of faith, and to lay aside all personal interests for the benefit
of your Church and the Universal Church…in the knowledge that what unites you in terms
of spiritual, sacramental and pastoral care is far superior to what divides you so
that the unity that strengthens is expressed in this election with all its force and
effect”.
All 15 bishops will spend this week in strict segregation at the Sts.
John and Paul retreat centre run by the Passionist Fathers on Rome’s Caelian Hill.
Their deliberations begin Monday with day of retreat and meditation led by Bishop
Enrico Del Covolo, Rector of the Pontifical Lateran University and Archbishop Rhino
Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization. Tuesday
will see the first round of debate and discussion on the current situation of the
Chaldean Church in the Patriarchal territory and wider Diaspora. While Wednesday will
see the first elections take place according to the Code of Canons for the Eastern
Churches
Speaking before the Synod opening to Vatican Radio, Cardinal Sandri
expanded on what he sees as the main challenges.“The main challenges are those of
the Church in general: the faith and in the particular case of the Chaldean Church,
of course, a great importance is given to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.
The lack of faith, because Christians are few and many have had to flee, migrate,
go elsewhere to seek the peace and security that were missing in their homeland. In
this situation of violence and suffering, the faith has faded”.