Rome, Italy – Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani arrived in Rome, the Italian capital, on Wednesday morning for a high-level official visit. During his visit, he will hold a series of meetings with prominent religious and political leaders. Barzani began his visit by traveling to the Vatican. He is scheduled to meet with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at 10:00 AM. This is Barzani’s second visit to the Vatican, following his first visit in 2014, during which he met with Pope Francis in what was described at the time as a historic event.
The talks are expected to address issues of religious tolerance and the situation of Christians in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Discussions will also focus on ways to promote peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue in the Middle East. Following his meeting at the Vatican, Barzani will hold a separate meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. This meeting will explore prospects for strengthening bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Italy, as well as political and security coordination in light of current regional developments. Furthermore, Italy’s continued support for the region in the areas of development and reconstruction will be discussed. Masoud Barzani’s visits to European capitals attract significant political and media attention, given his prominent position as a leading political figure in Kurdish and Iraqi affairs. His visits are also significant due to the Kurdistan Region’s role as an active partner of the international community in combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.
