Kurdish, Iraqi Leaders Pay Tribute to Pope Francis Following His Passing

Iraq 11:41 AM - 2025-04-21

Pope Francis Dies Aged 88

Kurdish and Iraqi leaders have expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, paying tribute to his unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.

PUK President: Pope Francis Dedicated His Life to the Service of Humanity

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), shared a message of condolences for the passing of Pope Francis.

PUK President's condolence message said:

We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the revered leader of the Vatican.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to our Christian brothers and sisters in Kurdistan, Iraq, and around the world. We share in your sorrow at the loss of a remarkable figure who dedicated his life to the service of humanity, the promotion of peaceful coexistence, and the values of compassion and unity among nations.

Pope Francis was a steadfast voice for brotherhood and peace. His legacy of humility, tolerance, and hope will continue to inspire generations to come.

Bafel Jalal Talabani
President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan

PUK Politburo: Pope Francis Was a Global Symbol of Peace

The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) shared a message of condolences for the passing of Pope Francis.

The PUK Political Bureau said:

We extend our deepest condolences to the Christian communities of Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world—especially to Catholics—on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Pope Francis was a distinguished religious leader and a global symbol of peace, renowned for his unwavering commitment to fostering unity among all faiths and communities. His tireless advocacy for reconciliation and his persistent calls to end wars and promote harmony will be remembered with profound gratitude. We honour his enduring legacy and the messages of hope and peace he shared with the world.

Political Bureau
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan

Iraqi President Offers Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis

The President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, offered his condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, stating that His Holiness’s lifelong dedication to peace, poverty alleviation, and religious tolerance has left a lasting impact on the world.

The following is President Rashid's statement:

It is with deep sorrow that we hear of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. The world has lost a remarkable religious and humanitarian leader, whose legacy will endure for generations to come. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis remained steadfast in his opposition to war and violence, championing peace, coexistence, and unity among all nations.

His lifelong dedication to the causes of peace, poverty alleviation, and religious tolerance has left an enduring impact on the world. Pope Francis’ work and message transcended religious boundaries, offering hope and guidance to millions across the globe.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Catholic Church, to Christians worldwide, and to all those whose lives were touched by his leadership. May his soul rest in peace.

Iraqi First Lady: Pope Francis Devoted His Life To Peace 

Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, the First Lady of Iraq offered her condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, saying that was a spiritual leader who devoted his life to the pursuit of peace and religious tolerance.

The following is Ms. Shanaz's statement:

I I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Pope Francis. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Christians around the world, especially the Catholic community, on the loss of a spiritual leader who devoted his life to the pursuit of peace and religious tolerance.

 His historic visit to Iraq in 2021 was a powerful gesture of solidarity and hope, and a testament to his commitment to interfaith dialogue.

 His dedication to these values earned him the respect and admiration of people of all faiths.

Qubad Talabani: Pope Francis's Passing is a Loss for All Humanity

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region offered his condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, stating that his passing is a loss not just for Christians, but for all humanity.

Deputy PM stated in an X post: "The passing of Pope Francis is a loss not just for Christians, but for all humanity. He was a voice for peace, respect, and interfaith dialogue—especially between Islam and Christianity.

"May his legacy of justice and harmony guide the world forward," he added.



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