On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani received Monsignor Archbishop Mirosław Wachowski, the new Vatican Ambassador to Iraq, according to a statement issued by the Barzani Headquarters.
The statement noted that during the meeting, the new Vatican Ambassador expressed his pleasure in visiting the Kurdistan Region. He conveyed the Vatican’s gratitude and appreciation to President Barzani, as well as the people and government of the Kurdistan Region, for the support and relief provided to displaced persons from various parts of Iraq during times of hardship and crisis, particularly the Christian community.
According to the statement, the Ambassador also expressed his satisfaction with the culture of coexistence and acceptance prevailing in the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing that all components of society enjoy living in peace and security. Furthermore, he praised the Kurdistan Regional Government’s support for the establishment of the Catholic University, Ankawa Hospital, and several private schools for Christians, which allow them to study in their mother tongue.
The statement added that the meeting touched upon President Masoud Barzani’s recent visit to the Vatican, as well as the recent visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Kurdistan Region.
For his part, President Barzani congratulated the new Vatican Ambassador on his appointment, wishing him success in his new mission and affirming his support to ensure the success of the Ambassador’s work.
President Barzani emphasized, per the statement, that coexistence and mutual acceptance in the Kurdistan Region have become a culture cherished by the people of Kurdistan, asserting that all necessary efforts will be made to preserve and strengthen this culture.
The statement further highlighted that President Barzani shed light on the sacrifices made by the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces during the war against ISIS terrorists. He noted that they defended all religious and ethnic components without discrimination, pointing out that a large number of Peshmerga were martyred or wounded to protect the land and the people of the region.
Finally, President Barzani expressed his thanks to His Holiness the Pope and the Vatican government for their continuous support of the Kurdistan Region. He valued the warm reception he received during his last visit to the Vatican and expressed his hope that His Holiness the Pope would visit Iraq and the Kurdistan Region again in the future.
Note: This text is translated from the original Arabic version… Read the Arabic version: Click here
