KDP Bloc Congratulates President Barzani on High-Ranking Papal Decoration
The KDP bloc in the Iraqi parliament described the papal decoration as international recognition of the president’s historic commitment to pluralism and religious freedom.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) bloc in the Iraqi parliament issued a congratulatory message on Friday to President Masoud Barzani following his receipt of a high-ranking papal decoration from the Vatican. The bloc described the honor as a clear international acknowledgement of his historic role in deepening the values of coexistence and protecting the diverse ethnic and religious components of the region.
The high-level recognition was formally presented on Thursday, when Cardinal Louis Sako, the Honorary Cardinal of the Chaldean Church, visited President Masoud Barzani to deliver the decoration on behalf of His Holiness Pope Francis.
In a statement released on Friday, the KDP parliamentary bloc extended its "warmest congratulations" to President Barzani. The bloc emphasized that the Vatican’s decision to grant this high-ranking honor serves as a global testament to the president’s unwavering positions on safeguarding the rights of all national and religious groups.
According to the statement, the award recognizes President Barzani's efforts in "strengthening the culture of harmony and humanity in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the entire region."
The KDP representatives in Baghdad further noted that they view the president's high directives and messages regarding the consolidation of brotherhood as the primary roadmap for their parliamentary work and struggle in the Iraqi capital.
The award has resonated across the Kurdistan Region’s leadership. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also congratulated President Masoud Barzani on Friday, framing the distinction as a source of pride for the entire nation.
President Nechirvan Barzani characterized the honor as a reflection of the enduring commitment of the Kurdish people to tolerance and pluralism.
In his message, he stated: "This recognition is a source of pride for the Kurdistan Region and recognition of the culture of coexistence, mutual acceptance, and tolerance as a characteristic of Kurdistan's society, as well as of the human values of our people who have always been committed to and proud of protecting them."
During the presentation on Thursday, Cardinal Sako expressed deep appreciation for President Barzani's historic role in protecting the Christian community and other minorities.
He highlighted the president’s contribution to humanity and the strengthening of peace and stability throughout the Middle East.
The relationship between the Vatican and the Kurdistan Region has seen significant growth over the past decade, particularly following the humanitarian crisis of 2014.
When the ISIS terrorist group displaced Christian communities from the Nineveh Plain and other parts of Iraq, the Kurdistan Region opened its doors to hundreds of thousands of Christians, Yazidis, and other persecuted minorities.
This humanitarian response has been frequently cited by international religious organizations and church leaders as evidence of the Kurdistan Region’s genuine commitment to pluralism. Cardinal Sako, acting as the spiritual leader of one of the world's oldest Christian communities, has consistently pointed to the Kurdistan Region’s leadership as a model for minority protection in a volatile region.