The Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Catholic Church, gathered in Rome from 9th to 12th, April, 2026, under the presidency of his excellency archbishop Habib Hormiz Jajou, the Patriarchal Administrator of the Chaldean Church, has elected His Grace Archbishop Amel Nona of St. Thomas the Apostle, Chaldean Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, new Patriarch of the Chaldean Church. The patriarch new has accepted the canonical election and took the name of: Mar Paul III Nona, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church.
The Synod entrusts the newly elected Patriarch to the Lord and invokes upon his ministry the gifts of the Holy Spirit, that he may faithfully shepherd the Chaldean Church entrusted to his care and strengthen the unity and mission of its faithful in the homeland and diaspora as well.
The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) offers our prayerful support and encouragement to you as you prepare for and take on your new role as shepherd, witness, servant and pilgrim in your elected role of leader of the Chaldean Church.
“Your new ministry of service is important to the glory of God in the world, in the Middle East, for your diaspora communities and for all the faithful who seek peace with justice at a time of conflict and communal division.
We trust that you will feel the support and encouragement of the churches in Australia as you face the joys and challenges of guiding the Chaldean Church and may you be blessed with the fullness of grace in your ministry. May the Holy Spirit grant you wisdom and peace in all your days”, said Rev John Gilmore, President and Elizabeth Stone, General Secretary of the NCCA.