Pope Leo XIV to New Ambassador to Iraq: Promote Hope and Peace

Consecration of the new Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq

Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Eucharistic Liturgy in connection with the consecration of the new Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq, Blessed Miroslaw Stanislaw Wachowski, on October 26, 2023.

“I want you to guard these seeds of hope and help to create a world where peaceful coexistence can grow,” the Pope said and added that our approach to diplomatic relations with the world is based on the teachings of the Gospel and supported by prayer. He said that Iraq is a nation with “suffering and longing for newness”, that “is full of ancient Christian traditions" that cannot be destroyed by violence.

Humility and the episcopal motto

The Pope has described Archbishop Wachowski's episcopal motto "Gloria Deo Pax Hominibus" (Glory to God, Peace to People) as both "a life program" and a way of enabling God's glory to come to fruition through peace. The Pope stated that a bishop's most important characteristic is humility, just as the tax collector (in this morning's Gospel) acknowledged his sinfulness and humility while offering prayer in the temple. A pastor's humility, according to the Pope, is derived from his realization that he is a servant, not the master.

The Pope used Archbishop Wachowski's roots in the Polish countryside to draw a comparison between the duties of a bishop and a farmer: to plant the seed and wait patiently for it to grow, to take care of it in a sacred way, and then to believe that, eventually, there will be a harvest. The Pope said that the bishop is “a steward and not a landlord, a man of prayer, not a man of property.” He stated that the Archbishop has spent many years at the Vatican serving in various diplomatic positions in Senegal, Poland, Vienna and as a Secretary of State, where he demonstrated his loyalty and ability to exercise discretion. He further stated that the Archbishop must evolve from this diplomatic role into “pastoral fatherhood” while serving as a “witness of hope” for a land that is in pain.

A church that accompanies and builds communion

As stated by the pope, "The nuncio reflects a church that accompanies, consoles and builds relationships rather than promotes a particular interest... Therefore, the church works to create communion." The nuncio has the specific mission to promote unity through charity in the variety of traditions in Iraq (Chaldean, Syriac, Armenian, Greek and Latin rite).

The Pope noted that the reason for your Church's foundation into the apostolic order established by St. Thomas through Addai and Mari has been traumatic due to violence in Iraq over many years. Yet, the martyrdom which has been evident over a long time has "not extinguished their faith." The Pope also stated that martyrs are those who "intercede for you, for Iraq, and for peace in the world."

A mission of love for the people of Iraq

He told the new nuncio at the end, "The people of Iraq will know you by what you say, but they will know you by how much you love them." He gave his ministry to Mary, Queen of Peace, and to the Saints from the land of Mesopotamia.

Born in 1970 in Pisz, Poland, Archbishop Wachowski was ordained in 1996. After beginning his career in Vatican diplomacy in 2004, he became Undersecretary for Relations with States in 2019. He speaks 5 languages and has now begun his assignment as papal nuncio to Iraq.