President Masoud Barzani has received the Order of Pope Pius IX, also known as the Pian Order, in recognition of his role in promoting peace, coexistence, and humanitarian values.

The prestigious papal honor was awarded following a request by Cardinal Louis Raphaël I Sako, the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch. According to the Barzani Headquarters, Cardinal Sako presented the award to President Barzani during a meeting on Thursday.

During the meeting, Cardinal Sako expressed his appreciation for President Barzani’s contributions to strengthening the values of coexistence and humanitarianism, as well as his efforts to promote peace and stability in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region.

The Cardinal also praised President Barzani for his historic role in protecting the Christian community and other ethnic and religious groups in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. He said the papal honor was awarded in recognition of Barzani’s significant contributions to advancing peace and upholding humanitarian values.

For his part, President Barzani expressed his gratitude to Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Sako for the honor, emphasizing that the Kurdistan Region’s rich tradition of coexistence, harmony, and peace remains a source of pride for its people and a legacy passed down through generations.

President Barzani also stressed the importance of preserving the values of brotherhood, unity, and harmony among all communities in the Kurdistan Region.

“People should be judged primarily by their behavior and actions, not by their beliefs or religious affiliation,” President Barzani said.

The Order of Pope Pius IX, commonly known as the Pian Order, is one of the highest papal orders of knighthood awarded by the Holy See, recognizing distinguished service and exceptional contributions to society.