ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq is aiming to strengthen bilateral relations with the Vatican, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said as he received the credentials of the non-resident Ambassador of the Vatican to Baghdad, Monsignor Mirosław Stanisław Wachowski.
Hussein emphasized the ministry’s commitment to “providing all necessary support to enable him to fulfill his duties and enhance his role in developing bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the Holy See,” according to a statement from Iraq’s Foreign Ministry.
Wachowski has served as Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq since September 2025, following his appointment by Pope Leo XIV. He previously held the position of Undersecretary for Relations with States at the Holy See's Secretariat of State.
During the meeting, Hussein highlighted “the important role played by the Vatican in supporting interfaith dialogue and consolidating the values of peace, coexistence, and respect for diversity in Iraq and the region.”
The ambassador, for his part, conveyed “the greetings of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Iraqi government and people” and expressed his enthusiasm about “beginning his duties in Baghdad and expanding cooperation in the humanitarian, religious, and cultural fields.”
The discussions also covered the historic visit of former Pope Francis to Iraq, its significance, and the messages of support it sent to the Iraqi people. Both sides explored ways to further develop bilateral relations, enhance cooperation, and address regional and international issues of mutual interest.
In March 2021, Pope Francis made a historic visit to Iraq, becoming the first pontiff to do so. His visit included stops in Baghdad, Mosul, and Najaf, where he met Iraq's highest Shiite authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The pope concluded his trip in Erbil with a Holy Mass, delivering messages of peace and coexistence.