Step into the world of the Eastern Churches with the latest news, brought to you in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient. From Cardinal Sako’s return to Baghdad to Germany’s peace conference for Ukraine, and a political crisis engulfing a Lebanese town – here’s what’s been happening this week:
Cardinal Sako’s Official Reinstatement
After nearly a year of exile in Erbil due to his legal status being withdrawn, Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako has been reinstated as the Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church by the Iraqi Prime Minister Al Soudani. Cardinal Sako criticized the move previously, attributing it to pressure from a Christian militia. He has since returned to Baghdad and celebrated Mass on June 12.
Reconstruction Conference for Ukraine
Germany hosted a conference with 60 countries aiming to support Ukraine in rebuilding after the destruction caused by Russia. The meeting sent a signal of solidarity with Kyiv ahead of the G7 summit and a global peace summit in Switzerland.
Political Turmoil in Joun, Lebanon
The village of Joun in Lebanon faces a political crisis following the resignation of Georges Makhoul, the municipality’s president. Christians and Shiites coexist in Joun, where traditionally a Greek Catholic holds the position of municipal president. The law dictates that the Shiite vice-president, Houssam Chamseddine, should assume interim presidency, leading to tensions as Christians seek to maintain leadership. The crisis reflects the fragility of Lebanese Christians, feeling marginalized amidst emigration and the growing influence of Hezbollah.
