KRG Minister Welcomes Election of Pope Leo XIV, Praises Church’s Ties with Kurdistan Region
He praised the historical and “warm, brotherly” ties between the leadership of the Catholic Church and the Kurdish people—particularly the relationship between past Popes and President Masoud Barzani.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region Minister of Transport and Communications, Ano Jawhar Abdoka, issued a statement on Thursday welcoming the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new head of the Catholic Church, hailing it as a moment of spiritual hope for a troubled world and reaffirming the historical bonds between the Holy See and the Kurdistan Region.
Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica—“Peace be upon you all”—Minister Jawhar underscored the Pope’s call for unity and peace during a time marked by global unrest and division.
In his statement, Jawhar also paid tribute to the late Pope, who previously visited Iraq and the Kurdistan Region during a time of hardship. He noted that the Pope’s journey through the land of Mesopotamia and the Kurdistan Region was a powerful gesture of solidarity with Christians in the region, especially those who suffered sectarian violence and the threat of ISIS.
“The late Pope prayed upon the soil of the forefathers and martyrs... and carried in his heart the Christians of Kurdistan and Mesopotamia, the children of Abraham,” the minister said, highlighting Kurdistan’s enduring legacy as a haven for Christians.
He praised the historical and “warm, brotherly” ties between the leadership of the Catholic Church and the Kurdish people—particularly the relationship between past Popes and President Masoud Barzani. Jawhar credited Kurdistan’s leadership and people with preserving religious coexistence and ensuring that Christianity continues to thrive in the region despite challenges.
He urged Pope Leo XIV to remember the Christians of the East, from the historic churches of Ankawa and Erbil to the communities across Nineveh, Zakho, Duhok, and Alqosh. “Be a voice for the voiceless in the East,” Jawhar appealed.
The message concluded with a prayer and an invitation: “From Kurdistan, from the proud citadel of Erbil, and from the blessed churches of Ankawa, overflowing with faithful believers—we pray for you, and we await you.”
