Iraqi, Kurdish leaders mourn Pope Francis, recall historic 2021 visit

BAGHDAD — Iraqi leaders offered condolences Monday following the death of Pope Francis, honoring his global legacy as a champion of peace, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian values. President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and senior Kurdish leaders each issued statements reflecting on the pontiff’s influence and his landmark 2021 visit to Iraq.

Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, issued a statement honoring the pope’s legacy.

“It is with profound sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was a distinguished spiritual leader who dedicated his life to promoting the values of humanity, compassion, and peace across the world,” he said. “On this solemn occasion, I extend my heartfelt condolences to our Christian brothers and sisters in Kurdistan, Iraq, and around the globe.”

President Abdul Latif Rashid described the pope as a “humanitarian figure and advocate for coexistence.”

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Rashid said. “His humanitarian stance against war and violence, and his continuous calls for peace and coexistence, will leave an indelible impact on the world.”

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani recalled the pope’s historic meeting with Iraq’s top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, during the pontiff’s 2021 visit — the first ever papal visit to Iraq.

“We share in the profound sadness felt by Christians in Iraq and around the world. We pray to the Almighty to grant him mercy and peace,” al-Sudani said. “We recall with reverence his historic visit to Iraq four years ago and his meeting with the Supreme Religious Authority, Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, in Najaf — an event that laid a meaningful foundation for interfaith dialogue and promoted fraternity and compassion among people of all faiths.”

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani expressed personal sorrow over the pontiff’s passing, highlighting their past meetings and shared vision for peace in Iraq and the wider region.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis — a man of great humility, compassion, and moral courage,” Barzani said. “I will always cherish our meetings and his prayers for peace in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world.” He described the pope’s visit to the Kurdistan Region as “a profound act of faith and solidarity.”

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani emphasized the pope’s message of unity and inclusion.

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

Barzani said the mass celebrated by the pope in Erbil “sent a powerful message that Christians are valued and respected in Kurdistan,” and extended condolences to the Vatican and Catholic communities in Kurdistan and beyond.

Full statement by Masoud Barzani:

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

It is with profound sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was a distinguished spiritual leader who dedicated his life to promoting the values of humanity, compassion, and peace across the world.

On this solemn occasion, I extend my heartfelt condolences to our Christian brothers and sisters in Kurdistan, Iraq, and around the globe. We stand with them in mourning this great loss and share in their grief.

May the soul of His Holiness Pope Francis rest in eternal peace. May God Almighty grant comfort and serenity to all those who mourn his passing.

Full statement by Abdul Latif Rashid:

We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis . His humanitarian stance against war and violence, and his continuous calls for peace and coexistence, will leave an indelible impact on the world.
Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable religious and humanitarian leader whose life was devoted to promoting peace, alleviating poverty and fostering interfaith tolerance.
Our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, Christians and people around the world. May his soul rest in peace.

Full statement by Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani:

With deep sorrow and heartfelt grief, we have received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, after a life devoted to serving humanity, fostering unity among peoples, and upholding peace and the highest moral and social values.

On this solemn occasion, we share in the profound sadness felt by Christians in Iraq and around the world. We pray to the Almighty to grant him mercy and peace.

As we bid farewell to His Holiness, we recall with reverence his historic visit to Iraq four years ago and his meeting with the Supreme Religious Authority, Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani, in Najaf—an event that laid a meaningful foundation for interfaith dialogue and promoted fraternity and compassion among people of all faiths.

Mercy upon the soul of Pope Francis, who stood in solidarity with the poor and oppressed and whose voice echoed the call for justice, dignity, and humanity across the globe. Our deepest condolences to his followers, admirers, and all who believe in the message of peace and goodwill.

Full statement by Nechirvan Barzani:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis — a man of great humility, compassion, and moral courage. I will always cherish our meetings and his prayers for peace in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world.

His legacy will forever resonate as a beacon of hope, peace, and human dignity for generations to come.

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.

May his divine soul rest in eternal peace.

Pope Francis is welcomed by Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani upon his arrival in Erbil during his historic 2021 visit to Iraq

Full statement by Masrour Barzani:

With deep sorrow, we learnt of the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

With the passing of His Holiness, the world has lost a voice of compassion and unity.

In my meetings with Pope Francis in Rome, and when he came to Erbil in 2021, I came to know him for his commitment to peace and understanding.

The mass he celebrated in Erbil sent a powerful message that Christians are valued and respected in Kurdistan.

We offer our deepest condolences to the Vatican and to the Catholic faithful in Kurdistan and the world.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomes Pope Francis to Erbil during the pontiff’s historic 2021 visit to Iraq.