Latest news with #Sako
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Papal conclave 2025 date: Process to elect Pope Francis' successor could end in two to three days
The successor of Pope Francis can be selected during the upcoming papal conclave within a short process of just two to three days, according to the cardinal of Baghdad, Louis Raphael Sako . #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan India considers closing airspace to Pakistani carriers amid rising tensions Cold Start: India's answer to Pakistan's nuclear threats Speaking to media persons at the Vatican on Tuesday, April 29, Sako said that he was expecting a "short conclave" in May. His statement came ahead of Tuesday's sixth General Congregation that took place at the New Synod Hall. The upcoming papal conclave will be a "short" one, the ANSA news agency of Italy quoted Sako as saying. He suggested that it might last for "two, three days". The cardinal noted that there was a "very fraternal atmosphere," while even highlighting the "spirit of responsibility". What happened at General Congregation? A total of 183 Cardinals remained present during Tuesday's General Congregation, which included 124 Cardinals, who are electors, Vatican News reported. Live Events During the event, nearly 20 Cardinals took the floor to express their views and opinions, with key focus around the Church and the major challenges faced by it. Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, had earlier informed that two of the Cardinal electors would be skipping the conclave amid health concerns. In a separate statement, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu informed that he had decided to skip the conclave to follow the will of Pope Francis. Also Read : Mike Peters, lead vocalist of Welsh rock band The Alarm, dies at 66 Papal conclave: Date and schedule The 267th leader of the Catholic Church is scheduled to be elected in the papal conclave which starts on May 7, as per the official announcement by the Vatican on Monday. All the Cardinal electors will be convening at the Vatican to kickstart the process to have the next leader. As per ABC News, Pope Benedict and Pope Francis were elected in conclaves back in 2005 and 2013, respectively, with each conclave lasting for two days. Prior to this, Pope John Paul II was selected by the Cardinals in a three-day conclave in 1978. Pope Francis died on April 21 after battling a serious bout with double pneumonia. The maiden Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church was 88 years old. He breathed his last a day after he marked his first public appearance after being discharged from hospital on March 23. He stayed in medical care for more than a month. Pope Francis was laid to rest on April 26, with his funeral being attended by several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Indian President Droupadi Murmu and others. Also Read : UPS Q1 earnings: United Parcel Service to slash 20,000 jobs, shut 73 sites amid Amazon pullback, economic uncertainty FAQs 1. When was Pope Francis admitted to hospital? He got admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14. 2. For how long did Pope Francis head the Roman Catholic Church? He led the church for nearly 12 years.
29-04-2025
- Politics
Papal conclave will last only 2 or 3 days, cardinal predicts
LONDON and ROME -- The cardinal of Baghdad, Louis Raphael Sako, reportedly told journalists at the Vatican on Tuesday that he expects a "short conclave" that could select Pope Francis ' successor in as little as two days. "It will be a short conclave, two, three days," Sako said, as quoted by Italy's ANSA news agency, speaking to reporters before today's general congregation. "There is a very fraternal atmosphere and a spirit of responsibility," the cardinal said. When asked if he had an idea of who he would vote for to become the new pope, Sako replied: "I have a very clear idea but I cannot say it." The conclave to elect the Catholic Church's 267th leader will begin Wednesday, May 7, the Vatican announced on Monday. Cardinals will convene at the Vatican to begin the process. Francis, who died last Monday at the age of 88, was buried on Saturday in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
The National
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Iraq's Cardinal Louis Sako hopes interfaith dialogue will be priority for next pope
World leaders send condolences after Pope's death The successor to Pope Francis should continue his work of promoting interfaith dialogue, especially between Christians and Muslims, Cardinal Louis Sako, the head of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, told The National. Promoting harmony between religions was one of the hallmarks of Francis's 12-year papacy, along with speaking up for the poor, the marginalised and people suffering the effects of war. The pontiff's funeral will be held in Rome on Saturday, five days after he passed away at the age of 88. Cardinal Sako, 76, is one of 136 cardinals who will be gathering in Rome to choose the next pope by secret ballot. Only cardinals aged under 80 are allowed to vote. 'I wish the next pope can be as humble, humanitarian as Pope Francis. I hope he will consider and promote dialogue between religions, especially Islam as it is the next biggest religion after Christianity, so that dialogue between religions will be kept going,' he said. The pope is usually chosen from among the church's college of cardinals, and Cardinal Sako has received the endorsement of the Iraqi government as a candidate to succeed Pope Francis. Cardinal Sako said the death of Francis, who he described as 'a shield for humanity', was a big loss to the world and especially for the Middle East, which is going through a time of increased tension. 'He was a spiritual and humanitarian person who left a mark on the world as he attempted to modernise the church and the world. He stood against corruption and oppressors and supported those who were neglected and persecuted,' he said. His last meeting with Pope Francis was in October, which lasted about 15 minutes, Cardinal Sako said. 'I feel like a father has left us,' he added. 'I was in total shock when I heard the news.' Cardinal Sako was born in Zakho, northern Iraq, and has played a central role in interfaith dialogue in the country. Pope Francis elevated him to cardinal in June 2018, and visited Iraq in 2021 in what was seen as a major show of support to the country's Christian population. Many Iraqi Christians fled abroad after sectarian warfare broke out in the wake of the 2003 US-led invasion. The plight of those who remained grew worse when ISIS seized large areas of northern and western Iraq in 2014 and persecuted religious minorities. The extremist group was defeated and driven out of the territory it seized by the end of 2017. However, Christians have not seen much improvement until now, Cardinal Sako said. 'We are suffering immensely and there is little that has changed for the Christians of Iraq. Many are still unable to return to their homes as it remains unsafe,' he said. Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Al Sudani said this week that Cardinal Sako had his 'unwavering support' to become the next pope. 'We reaffirm our unwavering support for His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako, the sole nominee from the Middle East to succeed the late Pope Francis (may his soul rest in peace) as the head of the Holy See in the Vatican,' Mr Al Sudani said in a statement. Speculation about the next pope has seen cardinals from Europe, the US, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East cited as possible successors to Francis. 'There is no nomination or general election for the pope's position, however, wherever there is a cardinal in the world, the country to which they belong nominates them for the position,' Cardinal Sako said. Christianity in Iraq dates back to the first century AD, when the apostles Thomas and Thaddeus are believed to have preached the gospel on the fertile floodplains of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Rudaw Net
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Cardinal Sako praises Kurdistan Region's ‘civil' system
Also in Kurdistan Kurdistan Region dust storm to continue through Friday: Expert France praises Kurdistan Region's 'democratic' institutions French FM in Erbil for talks with Kurdish officials Calls for coexistence mark spiritual gathering in Erbil A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, praised the Kurdistan Region's system of governance on Wednesday as 'very positive' and one that promotes coexistence. 'The Kurdistan Region has a civil system, not a religious, sectarian, or quota-based one, which is very positive,' Sako told Rudaw on the sidelines of the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast, a large interfaith gathering, in Erbil. The event kicked off on Wednesday and drew hundreds of officials and religious leaders from the Kurdistan Region and abroad, with messages centered on peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. It will run through Friday. 'People feel free and safe in the Kurdistan Region,' Sako said, praising the event and saying it serves to 'strengthen relationships and coexistence.' Sako addressed the audience at the event, saying, 'There is no problem with religions, but with the exploitation of religion for political and economic purposes.' He commemorated the late Pope Francis as a 'significant and supreme human figure and a unique spirit,' praising the Pope's role in promoting peaceful coexistence, brotherhood, interfaith dialogue, and renouncing war. Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at age 88 on Easter Monday following a stroke. The Pope's death follows a period of ill-health that saw him spend five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia. The debate over who his successor would be began shortly after his hospitalization. In March 2021, Pope Francis made a historic trip to Iraq, becoming the first pontiff to visit the country. His visit included stops in Baghdad, Mosul, and Najaf, where he met Iraq's highest Shiite authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. He concluded his visit in Erbil, where he held a holy mass and met with Kurdish leaders. In Mosul, the Pope held prayers for victims of ISIS and visited other significant Christian sites in the city. Sako highlighted the continuing significance of the Pope's visit, saying it underlined the important role of religion in building bridges and fostering mutual understanding and peace. Recalling his last meeting with Pope Francis, the patriarch said, 'I remember the last time I saw him, he said: Iraq is in my heart.' Sako was appointed head of the Chaldean Church by the Pope at the Vatican and was instrumental in organizing the late pontiff's visit to Iraq. The Kurdistan Region is predominantly Muslim but takes pride in its commitment to religious freedom. In addition to its Muslim population, the region is home to diverse faith communities, including Christians, Yazidis, Sabean-Mandaeans, Zoroastrians, Kaka'is, and Baha'is.
Rudaw Net
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Rising profile of Iraqi cardinal as papacy candidate stirs debate in Iraq
Also in Iraq Unfinished Stories: The Republic of Factions Former Kirkuk governor released on bail amid corruption charges Families of victims revisit Anfal atrocities at notorious desert prison in southern Iraq More than 90 Yazidi families return to Shingal A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The head of Iraq's Babylon Movement, Rayan al-Kildani, on Tuesday criticized speculation about the next papal successor, stressing that the process is guided by spiritual reflection and not campaigning. His remarks come amid rising interest in Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Iraq's Chaldean Patriarch, who is among 136 cardinals eligible to elect - and be elected as - the next pope. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Kildani censured 'some people's remarks about electing the Pope' as revealing 'a blatant ignorance of church procedures.' He added that 'cardinals alone choose the Pope' who 'is elected and not nominated.' 'There is no nomination or election campaigning, but rather prayer, contemplation, and selection by the Holy Spirit,' he insisted. Kildani also argued that Sako is not the sole representative of the Middle East among the cardinal-electors, pointing to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch Bechara Boutros al-Ra'i in Lebanon. Of note, the Babylon Movement is the political wing of the Babylon Brigade, a Christian armed group that operates under the umbrella of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), that are closely -aligned with Iran. It currently has four out of the five seats reserved for Christians in Iraq's 329-member parliament. Kildani's remarks notably followed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's public endorsement of Sako on Tuesday, as the 'sole nominee' from the Middle East for the papacy. 'His Beatitude is widely respected both locally and internationally, and he plays a vital role in advancing peace and fostering interfaith tolerance,' Sudani added in a statement on X. Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at age 88 on Easter Monday following a stroke. The Pope's death follows a period of ill-health that saw him spend five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia. The debate over who his successor would be began shortly after his hospitalization. For its part, the Chaldean Patriarchate stated Tuesday that while public comments and expressions of support reflect 'admiration, they carry no bearing on the formal selection process.' Though the Patriarchate did confirm that Sako is among 136 cardinals, under the age of 80, who are eligible to participate in a future papal conclave and to be considered for the papacy. The process entails 'private gatherings focused on prayer and reflection,' with each participant voting independently and in confidence, the Chaldean Patriarchate elaborated. Notably, Sudani in June reinstated Cardinal Sako as Chaldean Patriarch in Iraq, after President Abdul Latif Rashid in July 2023 revoked a 2013 presidential decree recognizing Sako as Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church. The Presidential Decree 147/2013 had affirmed Sako's status as head of the Chaldean Church and the legal caretaker of its endowment before the Iraqi state. Rashid then stated that the repeal of the decree 'is not an attack on the Chaldean Church nor Iraq's much valued Christian communities,' and that its 'reversal is motivated by the fact that 'the decree simply has no constitutional backing.' The revocation prompted backlash from Iraq's Christian community, especially as it followed a meeting between President Rashid and the head of the Babylon Movement, Kildani. Sako then issued a statement accusing Kildani of orchestrating an 'unfairly played 'game'' to sideline him, and accused the head of the Babylon Movement of orchestrating a campaign against him to seize control of Christian properties and endowments. The Cardinal further relocated to the Kurdistan Region, before returning to Baghdad at Sudani's request and following his reinstatement as Patriarch in June. Sako was born in Zakho in the Kurdistan Region's Duhok province, in July of 1948. According to the Vatican's Press Office, Sako was ordained a priest in 1974 and pursued advanced studies in Eastern patrology in Rome and history at the Sorbonne. He became Archbishop of Kirkuk in 2003 and Chaldean Patriarch in 2013. He was also a President Delegate at the 2018 Synod on Young People. A scholar and author, he is fluent in Arabic, Syriac, German, French, English, and Italian.
