As Synod Begins in Rome, Two Front-Runners Emerge for Chaldean Patriarch

A pivotal moment is unfolding for the Chaldean Catholic Church as its bishops convene in Rome to elect a new patriarch following the unexpected resignation of Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako. His departure, amid a series of controversies and internal tensions, has opened the door for what many see as a needed reset for the global Church.

According to reporting from The Pillar, two leading candidates have emerged: Archbishop Bashar Warda and Bishop Basilio Yaldo. Warda, known internationally for his advocacy and leadership during the ISIS crisis, is widely viewed as a candidate for change and renewal. Yaldo, a close collaborator of Sako, is seen as offering continuity and institutional stability.

The decision comes at a critical time, as the Church faces ongoing challenges including emigration, preserving its ancient identity, and strengthening trust in its leadership. While Warda and Yaldo appear to be frontrunners, observers note that a divided vote or shifting alliances could open the door for another figure, such as Archbishop Emil Nona, to emerge as a compromise candidate.

As the synod begins, the choice of the next patriarch will help define the future direction of the Chaldean Catholic Church—both in Iraq and across its growing global diaspora.