Joseph Aoun Makes Historic Visit to Chaldean Patriarch Mar Louis Sako in Baghdad

Baghdad – In a symbolic and deeply resonant moment, Syriac-Maronite Lebanese President Joseph Aoun paid a historic visit to the Chaldean Patriarchate in Baghdad this Sunday, where he was warmly received by Patriarch Mar Louis Raphaël I Sako, head of the Chaldean Catholic Church. This marks the first official visit of a Lebanese president to the Chaldean Church in Iraq since the informal visit of President Michel Suleiman in 2012.

The meeting was held at the patriarchal residence in Mansour, where Patriarch Sako welcomed President Aoun and the accompanying delegation, thanking him for the visit and describing it as a meaningful gesture of moral support during these difficult times. The two leaders held in-depth discussions about the situation in the region and the concerns of their citizens. Both emphasized the urgent need to rebuild strong, sovereign states governed by the rule of law and inclusive citizenship—where arms are held solely by the state and corruption is eradicated.

President Aoun described the encounter with Patriarch Sako as “a reaffirmation of shared heritage, resilience, and spiritual unity across national borders.” The Patriarch, for his part, stressed the importance of unifying the ranks of Christians, both ecclesiastically and at the grassroots level, to facilitate the return of those wishing to go back to their homelands in Iraq and Lebanon. He also encouraged the Church to support poor families by building housing complexes for them.

This visit came as part of President Aoun’s broader diplomatic tour of Iraq, which also included a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. The two leaders underscored the importance of Arab solidarity and regional cooperation. President Aoun praised Iraq’s continuous support for Lebanon in times of crisis, famously declaring that, “The antidote comes from Iraq” is no longer just a saying, but a lived reality. He also called for the development of a modern Arab framework based on mutual interests, envisioning a structured Arab common market and deeper economic integration.

Before concluding his trip, President Aoun made a gesture of religious and diplomatic respect by placing a phone call to Sayyid Mohammad Reza al-Sistani, son of Iraq’s highest Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, inquiring about the health of the revered cleric. Aoun expressed hope for a future in-person visit and shared his deep admiration for Ayatollah Sistani’s vision of a state founded on law, merit, and peace.

كلمة الرئيس عون بعد لقائه رئيس الوزراء العراقي محمد شياع السوداني في بغداد pic.twitter.com/iTUVEyzAAG

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) June 1, 2025