On Wednesday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Miroslaw Wachowski, the new Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Iraq.

Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Ambassador Wachowski on assuming his new role and reaffirmed the KRG’s full support for the success of his mission.

For his part, Ambassador Wachowski conveyed the appreciation and gratitude of Pope Leo XIV to Prime Minister Barzani for supporting and protecting the rights of Christians and all components, as well as for promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence in the Kurdistan Region, the KRG readout said

Ambassador Wachowski also noted that Kurdistan holds a special place in the heart of the Pope, who continues to pray for the region’s progress, prosperity, and peace.

They also discussed the KRG’s reform agenda and the ongoing discussions regarding the formation of the new federal cabinet in Iraq.

Last year, on May 8, leaders in the Kurdistan Region congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as the pastoral leader of the Catholic Church worldwide.

In late January, President Masoud Barzani visited the Vatican for an official meeting and met with Pope Leo XIV.

This high-level meeting emphasized the critical need for peace, stability, and the aim to end global human suffering.