Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following his election as the new head of the Catholic Church, reaffirming the Kurdistan Region’s dedication to peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
In a message shared on X, President Barzani expressed his warm wishes on behalf of the Kurdistan Region, stating: “I extend my warmest congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new leader of the Catholic Church. I am encouraged by His Holiness’s message of peace, compassion, and justice.”
President Nechirvan Barzani also paid tribute to the legacy of the late Pope Francis, who was widely respected for his advocacy of global peace, dialogue among civilizations, and support for marginalized communities.
President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s longstanding values of inclusivity and coexistence, adding, “The Kurdistan Region remains firmly committed to coexistence and interfaith harmony.”
The newly elected Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, hails from Chicago and becomes the first Pope from North America. Born in 1955, Pope Leo XIV brings decades of pastoral and theological experience, and is known for his fluency in multiple languages and commitment to social justice.
His election signals a continuation of the Catholic Church’s focus on compassion and global outreach values closely aligned with those of the Kurdistan Region, which has long positioned itself as a safe haven for diverse ethnic and religious communities in the Middle East.
President Nechirvan Barzani’s message reflects the Region’s broader commitment to fostering positive relations with global faith leaders and promoting dialogue as a cornerstone of stability and mutual respect.