“We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex. His humanitarian stance against war and violence, and his continuous calls for peace and coexistence, will leave an indelible impact on the world,” Iraqi President Abdullatif Rashid said in a post on X.
Pope Francis died at his residence on Monday after receiving treatment for weeks for an infection that led to double pneumonia.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his condolences in a post on X, saying he was “deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis — a man of great humility, compassion, and moral courage.” He added, “I will always cherish our meetings and his prayers for peace in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world.”
“His Holiness’s historic and courageous visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in 2021 was a profound act of faith and solidarity, remembered with deep respect and gratitude by all our people,” Barzani accordingly added.
The Pope made a historic visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in March 2021, where he visited several cities across the country and held a mass for 10,000 people in Erbil.
“The world has lost a voice of compassion and unity,” said Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, offering his condolences in a post on X.
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani expressed “deep condolences to Christian brothers and sisters in Kurdistan, Iraq, and throughout the world,” in a statement.
Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani said the Pope was “a voice for peace, respect, and interfaith dialogue - especially between Islam and Christianity.”
The 88-year-old Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia.
After 38 days, he was discharged from the hospital and appeared in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican to wish a "Happy Easter" to thousands of worshippers.
In February, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani sent his heartfelt wishes for the speedy recovery of the Pope, praising the Pontiff’s message of peace and unity.
