President Barzani hails Vatican medal for Masoud Barzani

Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) President Nechirvan Barzani on Friday welcomed a Vatican honor for Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, viewing it as recognition of his role in promoting peace and protecting the rights of religious communities across Iraq.

Aug 22, 2026 - 06:31
President Barzani hails Vatican medal for Masoud Barzani
President Nechirvan Barzani - Shafaq News English.

Barzani also characterized the distinction as a celebration of the KRI’s culture of tolerance and mutual acceptance, as well as the humanitarian values embraced by its people.

“The Kurdistan Region of Iraq will always remain a peaceful homeland for all its communities.”

The Vatican presented Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), with the Order of Pope Pius IX, or Pian Order, on Thursday. The high-ranking papal honor recognizes his role in protecting Christian and other ethnic and religious communities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

[Source: Shafaq News English]