Barzani meets Pope Francis I at Vatican in Rome

Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani received an audience with Pope Francis I at the Vatican for talks on bilateral ties, the situation in Iraq and Syria and the dilemma of Christian refugees in Kurdistan.

Mr Barzani’s trip to Italy is part of a European tour and during his visit will be meeting senior Italian officials for discussions on encouraging bilateral relations. His meeting with the Pope comes at a time when the Vatican is looking at ways to ensure Christians remain in Iraq, despite sectarian violent attacks that have forced an exodus.

Pope Francis I praised Mr Barzani’s efforts in reaching for peace and coexistence between the nationalist and religious components in Kurdistan, who stressed that he’ll provide all possible support for Christians living in the region and will endeavour protecting them.

Kurdistan, the only stable region in Iraq, has become a safe haven for some 30,000 Christians, but they are still confronted by linguistic and cultural barriers.