Chaldean Patriarch Sako urges Pope Leo XIV to convene Eastern Catholic Patriarchs amid tensions in Middle East

VATICAN — Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Mar Louis Raphaël I Sako urged Pope Leo XIV to convene a meeting with the patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Churches to address the growing challenges faced by their communities in the Middle East. His call comes as the Vatican renews efforts to promote peace and stability in Lebanon and the broader region. 

In an interview with The Tablet, Patriarch Sako expressed optimism that the newly elected pontiff would strengthen ties with Eastern Catholics. He called on the Pope to visit their ancestral homelands and engage directly with their spiritual leaders. 

“The Pope should appoint wise and capable advisors to guide his relationship with the Eastern Churches,” Cardinal Sako said, emphasizing the urgent need for tangible political support from the Vatican in a region where the Christian population has significantly dwindled over the past two decades. 

On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV announced plans to instruct the Roman Curia to draft guidelines for Latin-rite bishops to better support Eastern Catholic communities within their dioceses. The initiative aims to preserve these communities’ unique liturgical traditions and cultural identities. 

The Pope’s comments came after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, a Syriac Maronite, and First Lady Naamat Aoun on the sidelines of his episcopal ordination Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

In a statement, the Lebanese presidency shared President Aoun’s invitation for Pope Leo to visit Lebanon, expressing appreciation for the Vatican’s enduring commitment to the country. “We deeply value Your Holiness’s dedication to promoting peace in Lebanon,” the statement read. 

Pope Leo reaffirmed his prayers for Lebanon’s well-being, pledging to continue efforts to foster stability across the Middle East. “I continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of Lebanon and its people,” he said.