Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafal Jalal Talabani visited St. Joseph Chaldean Church (Mar Yousif) in Sulaymaniyah to congratulate the newly appointed Chaldean Patriarch, reaffirming Kurdistan's culture of coexistence and pledging full PUK support.

During his Monday visit, Talabani welcomed Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona and Archbishop Dr. Yousif Thomas Mirkis, Archbishop of the Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Kirkuk-Sulaymaniyah, alongside various party and government officials. 

Sulaymaniyah Visit: Talabani Congratulates New Patriarch

Talabani offered warm congratulations to Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona on assuming office as the new Head of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world.

Following his canonical election by the Synod of Bishops in Rome on April 12, Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona formally assumed leadership of the Chaldean Catholic Church during a historic enthronement ceremony at St. Joseph's Church in Baghdad on May 29.

He visited Sulaymaniyah yesterday and was received by Governor Haval Abubakr and other officials.

Mar Paulos toured the ancient Christian ruins in Bazian—one of the oldest Christian landmarks in the Middle East—and received a copy of the Holy Bible in Kurdish, encased in a traditional, locally hand-woven tapestry presented by the governor.

Upon his arrival, the Patriarch expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and commended Sulaymaniyah’s deep-rooted historical heritage of coexistence.

Talabani: Kurdistan Remains an Enduring Cradle of Coexistence 

During his meeting, Talabani stressed that “the Kurdistan Region remains an enduring cradle of coexistence, emphasizing the deepening of brotherhood among all diverse religions and nations.”

The PUK president also expressed the party’s “full readiness to support and ensure the success of Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona's duties.”