His Holiness Pope Francis is the first Catholic pope visited the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). During his historic visit to the KRI on March 7, 2021, His Holiness expressed his gratitude to the President Nechirvan Barzani for protection of displaced Christians and other minorities.
I am grateful that, despite being in war, you received the displaced Christians and other minorities from Mosul, Nineveh Plains, and Qaraqosh. You opened your arms to Christians.
His Holiness Pope Francis
You are pure in heart. You have been compassionated towards all. Thank you for everything that you do for all the faiths and communities. Freedom is in place in Kurdistan.
His Holiness Pope Francis
