FM Meets Vatican Secretary of State to Discuss Bilateral Relations and the Situation of Christians in Iraq

Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein met on Thursday, 15 October 2026, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See (the Vatican’s Prime Minister), at the Apostolic Palace. The meeting addressed bilateral relations and the key political developments in Iraq and the region.

The Minister expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, emphasizing the importance of the relations between the Republic of Iraq and the Holy See and the commitment of both sides to further developing these relations and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

H.E. referred to the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Iraq in 2021 and the important messages it conveyed in promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith dialogue. He recalled the Pope’s visit to the ancient city of Ur in Dhi Qar Governorate, the birthplace of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). He also noted that Iraq had designated the day of the visit as a national occasion for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The meeting addressed the situation of Christians in Iraq and the efforts undertaken to safeguard their rights and those of all other religious communities, in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution. The two sides also discussed the importance of preserving the Christian presence as an integral part of Iraq’s social and historical fabric.

The Minister stressed the need to encourage Iraqi Christians residing abroad to strengthen their ties with their homeland and return to their places of origin, contributing to their reconstruction and stability. He also discussed the situation of Christians in the Nineveh Plains and the importance of creating suitable conditions to ensure their security and stability and preserve their presence in their historic areas.

Mr. Hussein also reviewed the political and economic developments in Iraq and the challenges facing the government. He addressed the efforts of the Prime Minister and political forces to ensure that weapons remain exclusively in the hands of the state, strengthen the authority of constitutional institutions, and consolidate stability.

The meeting also addressed developments in the ongoing conflict and war in the region. The Minister reaffirmed the Iraqi Government’s principled opposition to war and emphasized the need to resort to dialogue and peaceful means to resolve crises. He called for intensified efforts and pressure on the parties concerned to return to the negotiating table and prevent the conflict from expanding.

On domestic affairs, the Minister provided an overview of relations between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, emphasizing the importance of continuing dialogue to address outstanding issues and reach mutually acceptable solutions that would strengthen Iraq’s unity and stability.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Fuad Hussein invited Cardinal Pietro Parolin to visit Iraq, underscoring the importance of maintaining communication and coordination between the two sides and reiterating his gratitude for the warm reception.