Kurdistan Region mourns the passing of Pope Francis, hailing his legacy of peace and compassion.
World leaders gathered Saturday in St. Peter’s Square to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away last week at the age of 88. Among the distinguished mourners was Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, who represented both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq at the solemn ceremony that drew heads of state and religious leaders from across the globe.
Under overcast skies, tens of thousands filled the Vatican grounds as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the funeral Mass. The ceremony reflected Pope Francis’ wishes for simplicity, yet the attendance of over 100 world leaders underscored his profound global impact during his 12-year pontificate.
Kurdistan Region President, who developed a close relationship with the late pontiff following Francis’ historic 2021 visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, stood alongside other dignitaries including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“Today, we not only mourn a religious leader but a true humanitarian who worked tirelessly to bridge divides between faiths and nations,” Barzani said in a statement before departing to Rome. “His legacy transcends religion and speaks to our shared humanity.”
Historic 2021 Visit to Iraq and Kurdistan Remembered
The funeral comes just four years after Pope Francis made his landmark journey to Iraq in March 2021, becoming the first pontiff to visit the country. During that historic trip, his visit to the Kurdistan Region was widely regarded as a powerful endorsement of the region’s commitment to religious pluralism and peaceful coexistence.
Barzani, who personally welcomed Pope Francis to Erbil in 2021, recalled their meetings. “When His Holiness came to Kurdistan, he brought a message of hope and solidarity that resonated deeply with our people. Today, we return that message by honoring his extraordinary life,” his statement said.
The 2021 visit had particular significance for the region’s Christian communities, many of whom had suffered persecution under ISIS. Pope Francis’ decision to include Kurdistan in his itinerary was seen as recognition of the region’s role as a safe haven for religious minorities in an otherwise turbulent part of the world.
A Global Farewell to
the “People’s Pope”
The funeral drew unprecedented attendance from leaders of diverse faiths. Representatives from Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, and Orthodox Christian traditions participated in the ceremony, reflecting Francis’ lifelong commitment to interfaith dialogue.
In his official statement earlier this week, Nechirvan Barzani described Pope Francis as a “paragon of humility, spirituality, and compassion” and emphasized how the Pope’s values aligned with Kurdistan’s commitment to pluralism and tolerance.
“His legacy and teachings will continue to serve as a guiding light of hope and peace for all,” Barzani noted, praying for mercy for the late Pope and solace for those grieving worldwide.
As the ceremony concluded with the traditional tolling of bells, the assembled dignitaries joined in a final tribute to a pontiff who redefined the papacy for the modern era. The College of Cardinals is expected to convene in the coming days to begin the process of selecting Francis’ successor.
By Jawad Qadir