Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona Appointed Chancellor of the Catholic University in Erbil

  • October 1, 2026
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His Excellency Archbishop Mar Bashar Warda, Archbishop of the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil, founder of the Catholic University in Erbil, and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, announced that His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, will assume the position of Chancellor of the Catholic University in Erbil, following consultations with the relevant authorities and with the unanimous approval of the Board of Trustees.

The announcement was made during the university’s 2026 graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the university campus in Ankawa, Erbil.

Archbishop Warda also announced that the Board of Trustees had approved his proposal to transfer ownership of the university from the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil to the Chaldean Patriarchate, paving the way for a new phase in the university’s journey under the authority and patronage of the Patriarchate.

This step opens new prospects for strengthening the mission of the Catholic University in Erbil in serving individuals and society, consolidating its academic and educational role, and advancing its Catholic identity and commitment to the values of faith, knowledge, and dialogue.