Rashid issues an explanation regarding the withdrawal of the Republican Decree of Cardinal Sako

Baghdad-INA 

The President of the Republic, Abd al-Latif Rashid, issued a clarification regarding the withdrawal of the Republican Decree of Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako.

Rashid said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The media circulated what came in Issue 4727 of the Iraqi Al-Waqa'i newspaper issued on July 3, 2023, which includes Republican Decree No. (31) to withdraw Republican Decree No. (147) of 2013 regarding by Cardinal Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako.

He added, "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," noting, "The withdrawal of the decree came to correct a constitutional situation, as Decree No. ( 147) of 2013 without a constitutional or legal basis, in addition to calling on the heads of churches and other sects to issue similar republican decrees without a constitutional basis.

He stressed, "Patriarch Louis Sako enjoys the respect and appreciation of the Presidency of the Republic as the patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world."