Nechirvan Barzani Meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Invites Him to Visit Iraq and the Kurdistan Region

Peregraf — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met Monday with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where the two sides discussed coexistence, minorities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and broader regional developments.

According to the Kurdistan Region Presidency, Pope Leo XIV formally received Barzani before the two held a private meeting.

Christians and Religious Coexistence

During the meeting, Barzani claimed that Christians and other religious and ethnic communities are "an authentic and inseparable part" of the history, culture, and national identity of the Kurdistan Region.

He said that all components together contribute to shaping the country's future.

Barzani also expressed what the statement described as appreciation for the Vatican's spiritual and historical role in promoting dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence worldwide. 

Invitation to Visit Iraq and Kurdistan Region

According to the same statement, Barzani referenced the legacy of the late Pope Francis and his visit to Iraq in March 2021.

During the meeting, Barzani formally invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. 

According to the Kurdistan Region Presidency's statement, Pope Leo XIV praised the culture of tolerance, coexistence, and mutual acceptance in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

He also commended what the statement described as the Kurdistan Region's role in sheltering displaced people and protecting Christians during periods of conflict and instability. 

The two sides also discussed broader regional developments and expressed hope for peace, stability, and security for the region and the wider world.