Erbil, Iraq – President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Region will attend the official funeral ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, representing Iraq at the international farewell for the late Pope.
Pope Francis passed away earlier this week after a prolonged illness. His final days were spent in treatment for double pneumonia, and he was later diagnosed with a stroke and severe cardiac complications that led to his passing.
President Barzani, expressing his sorrow in a public statement, described the Pope as a figure of humility, compassion, and courage. He recalled the pontiff’s 2021 visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as a deeply meaningful gesture of faith and solidarity. The Pope’s journey included stops in the ancient city of Ur, Mosul, and a mass attended by thousands in Erbil.
President Barzani shared that the memories of their meetings and the Pope’s prayers for peace in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the wider world would remain with him always.
