After experiencing violence and persecution in the recent past, new clouds are gathering over the future of Christians in Iraq, and now threaten the highest Christian authority in the land, the Chaldean Patriarch, Card Louis Raphael Sako.
Recently, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid issued a decree ending the “institutional recognition” of the office the cardinal holds. This was done by repealing Decree 147, signed by Mr Rashid’s predecessor, the late Jalal Talabani, on 10 July 2013, which recognised the patriarch’s appointment by the Holy See as head of the Chaldean Church “in Iraq and the world” and thus, “responsible for the assets of the Church”.
The latter aspect is what matters. “Someone wants to take control over the assets and properties held by Christians and the Church,” a source told AsiaNews.
Following the decision, President Rashid tried to clarify his decision. His Office issued a statement saying: “Withdrawing the republican decree does not prejudice the religious or legal status of Cardinal Louis Sako, as he is appointed by the Apostolic See as Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world.”
The press release goes on to say that, “the abolition of the Presidential Decree is intended to correct the situation. A constitutional or legal basis was not provided for the issuance of Presidential Decree No. 147 of 2013.” At the same time, it says that Card “Sako is highly valued by the Presidency of the Republic” as “Patriarch of the Chaldean Church throughout the world.”