Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani participates in papal funeral at Vatican

NEWSROOM — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani arrived at the Vatican on Friday night to attend the funeral ceremony for the late pope, representing Iraq at the event, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

Barzani joined world leaders, monarchs, and hundreds of political and prominent figures gathered for the official service.

Pope Francis, who led the Vatican, died Monday at the age of 88 following an illness. His funeral was scheduled for Saturday.

Senior Kurdish and Iraqi officials issued statements mourning the pope’s passing and honoring his legacy, including his landmark 2021 visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

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