Pope Leo XIV has confirmed the election of Chorbishop Sharbel Maroun as the new archbishop-elect for the Maronite Archeparchy of Damascus in Syria. The Vatican announced the appointment on August 28, 2026, marking a significant transition for one of the oldest Christian jurisdictions in the Middle East. Maroun, who has served as pastor of St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in Minneapolis for more than three decades, will succeed Archbishop Samir Nassar, who is stepping down after leading the see since 2006.

The selection process followed canonical procedure for Eastern Catholic Churches. The Synod of Bishops of the Patriarchal Church of Antioch of the Maronites elected Maroun to the post, and Pope Leo XIV subsequently granted his assent to the election. This confirmation underscores the Holy See’s role in overseeing ecclesiastical appointments while respecting the autonomy of Eastern Catholic rites.

A Ministry Spanning Two Continents

Born in Lebanon, Maroun immigrated to the United States in 1983. He entered seminary the following year and was ordained to the priesthood in 1989. His clerical milestones share a distinct personal connection: his ordination, his designation as monsignor in 2007, and his ordination as chorbishop in 2015 all occurred on January 6, which is also Maroun’s birthday.

Since his priestly ordination, Maroun has remained dedicated to the St. Maron community in Minneapolis. His long tenure reflects a deep commitment to pastoral care within the American context, managing a parish that serves as a hub for Lebanese and broader Maronite immigrants. The move to Damascus represents a return to his homeland’s ecclesiastical leadership, bridging his North American ministry with the historic responsibilities of the archeparchy in Syria.

Archdiocesan Response and Partnership

Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis issued a statement on August 28 regarding the appointment. The local ordinary highlighted Maroun’s extensive service to the community, noting that the chorbishop is “beloved by not only his parishioners but also by the priests and faithful of our Archdiocese.”, as first reported by the OSV News

Hebda emphasized the personal qualities that defined Maroun’s leadership in Minnesota. “I have long admired his pastoral heart and have been inspired by his generous and collaborative leadership in Northeast Minneapolis,” Hebda said. The archbishop’s remarks reflect a broader appreciation for the contributions of Eastern Catholic clergy to the unity of the Church in the United States.

The appointment also strengthens existing ties between the local church in Minnesota and the Maronite community in Syria. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis established a formal partnership with the Damascus Archeparchy on January 25, 2017. This date was chosen deliberately to coincide with the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, commemorating his journey to Damascus. The partnership has facilitated ongoing support for Maronite faithful in Syria, many of whom have faced displacement and hardship due to regional conflict.

Ecclesial Context

The selection of a pastor from the United States to lead a see in Syria highlights the global nature of the Catholic Church. While Maroun returns to his birthplace, his formation and recent ministry occurred largely in North America. This dynamic is increasingly common as clergy from diaspora communities take on leadership roles in their countries of origin.

The transition in Damascus comes at a time when the Church continues to focus on unity and support for Christians in the Middle East. Pope Leo XIV has emphasized prayer for peace and healing in regions affected by war, including Syria. The appointment aligns with broader efforts to ensure stable leadership for communities that have endured decades of instability.

For the St. Maron parish in Minneapolis, Maroun’s departure marks the end of an era. Having served as pastor for more than 35 years, he leaves behind a deeply rooted legacy in Northeast Minneapolis. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will now look toward the future of the parish under new leadership, while maintaining its commitment to the Damascus Partnership.

The Vatican’s announcement was covered by OSV News, which reported on the election results and the subsequent papal confirmation. As Maroun prepares to assume his duties in Syria, the Church in Minnesota celebrates his service while entrusting him to the care of Providence as he takes on new responsibilities in the Holy Land.