President Masoud Barzani welcomed the Vatican’s new ambassador to Iraq and highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s long-standing culture of coexistence and religious tolerance.
During the meeting, the Vatican envoy conveyed the appreciation of the Vatican for the Kurdistan Region’s role in protecting displaced communities, especially Christians, during the ISIS crisis. The envoy praised the Kurdistan Region for sheltering thousands of displaced families during one of Iraq’s most difficult periods.
President Masoud Barzani stressed that coexistence among different ethnic and religious communities remains a core value in the Kurdistan Region. He reaffirmed support for all communities in Kurdistan, including Christians, Yazidis, and other minorities affected by violence and displacement.
The meeting also focused on strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Holy See. Both sides discussed the importance of promoting stability, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence across Iraq and the wider region.
The Vatican has repeatedly praised the Kurdistan Region for its humanitarian response during the war against ISIS. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Iraqis sought refuge in the Kurdistan Region after ISIS attacks forced families to flee Mosul and the Nineveh Plains.
Officials continue to describe coexistence and religious freedom as central pillars of the Kurdistan Region’s social and political identity.