Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Following the announcement of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region expressed deep sorrow, honoring the late pontiff as a global voice of compassion and unity.

In a heartfelt statement, PM Barzani reflected on his meetings with Pope Francis, both in Rome and during the Pope’s historic visit to Erbil in March 2021. He described the late Pope as a tireless advocate for peace and mutual understanding, whose leadership transcended religious and cultural divides.

“With the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the world has lost a voice of compassion and unity,” Barzani said. “In my meetings with him in Rome, and when he came to Erbil in 2021, I came to know him for his unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue.”

Pope Francis’s visit to Iraq, which included a stop in Erbil, was a landmark moment for the country and the Kurdistan Region, promoting coexistence and solidarity with persecuted communities, including Christians and Yazidis. His messages of hope and reconciliation resonated deeply in the region.

PM Barzani extended his condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic community, and people around the world mourning the loss of the spiritual leader. He emphasized that Pope Francis’s legacy of promoting human dignity and interfaith harmony will endure.

The Kurdistan Regional Government is expected to hold commemorative events in honor of the late Pope, reaffirming the region’s commitment to the values he championed.