Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako
I write these wishes based on what I have personally experienced over 13 years.
I hope that the next Patriarch will be a man of God, filled with the Spirit of God, which will help him speak in God’s name, listen to His inspiration, and transform it into moments of prayer, contemplation, and generous service of love. May he be in harmony with the Synod Fathers, the voice of Christ and the Church.
May he be steadfast in his faith; a loving, humble, and zealous person, with a living conscience, committed to firm principles and values. One who puts the common good before personal interest; who knows how to bring people closer, not push them away; who unites rather than divides; who forgives and embraces instead of seeking revenge; who is courageous in defending the truth; and who stays away from partisanship, the pursuit of money, and status. He should feel that he is not only for the Chaldeans, but for all Christians and all.
May he be wise, able to read the unstable reality correctly, so that he knows how to guide people in difficult circumstances and bring them hope?
To the extent that he listens to the Word of God and lives it out, to that same extent he will be able to bear witness through his life to what he proclaims, and to draw people to God. May he work with bishops, priests, and the faithful—men and women—as one team, so that the Church may move forward dynamically through its spiritual mission and its humanitarian and national service.
Without this responsibility and heartfelt relationship, nothing remains but authority in its empty form.
Certainly, among our esteemed bishops there are those who possess many of these qualities.
I invite everyone to pray for this intention in the days leading up to the Synod for the election of the new Patriarch.
