President Masoud Barzani receive Pope Francis

On Sunday, March 7, 2021, President Masoud Barzani received Pope Francis, in the city of Erbil.

At the meeting, Pope Francis met with President Barzani after his arrival. His Holiness thanked President Barzani for the protection of religious and other components in the Kurdistan Region and the implementation of the peaceful co-existence between them.

During this meeting, Pope Francis told President Barzani: "I have not forgotten Kurdistan, I came here at your request and the request of the President of the Regional Government and I have not forgotten your visit and the Prime Minister. You are not only welcoming me, you welcomed the Christians and the other at the time they fled their home and you sheltered them. The Pope said that "You defended the Christians during the ISIS attacks, you welcomed the Christian brothers as brothers".

In the meeting, President Barzani expressed his hope that the visit of Pope Francis would strengthen brotherhood and unity among religions and said: "We are proud of the culture of unity of the people of Kurdistan, our culture of unity has increased brotherhood and goodwill, in the name of all parts of Kurdistan welcome you and see your visit sign of peaceful coexistence and appreciate your visit and support.