Celebrating Coexistence: Catholic University in Erbil Welcomes National Day of Prayer Delegation
During the National Day of Prayer celebrations in Erbil from April 23–25, a delegation visited the Catholic University in Erbil on Thursday to explore how the institution serves as a model for peaceful coexistence.
During the visit, His Grace, Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda, Head of the Board of Trustees, spoke about the university’s journey since its founding in the aftermath of ISIS’s occupation of parts of the Nineveh Plain. He emphasized the significance of the university’s diverse community as a genuine example of peaceful coexistence. Looking ahead, Archbishop Warda highlighted ongoing efforts to obtain accreditation from the U.S. Higher Learning Commission, which would elevate the university’s standing regionally and internationally.
Dr. Nazar Shabila, CUE President, welcoming the delegation on university campus. Erbil, Iraq ©Catholic University in Erbil 2025
CUE President, Dr. Nazar Shabila, also addressed the delegation, showcasing the university’s academic programs as well as the facilities and activities that have contributed to the university’s recent achievements, including its ranking in the latest Times Impact Rankings.
Fr. Dr. Karam Shamasha, Provost of the University, elaborated on additional programs, services, and activities offered at CUE, emphasizing their role in strengthening students’ various skills. He also praised the crucial support provided by donors in making these initiatives possible.
Addressing the Catholic University of Erbil, Slovak Parliamentarian Veronika Remišová expressed her admiration for the university’s facilities, services, and colleges. “I am truly impressed by what I’ve seen here… It is important that young people in Kurdistan are being equipped for the future with the skills they can develop here at the university,” she said.
Former Bulgarian MP, Dimitar Tashev, also shared his impressions, noting, “It’s amazing to see how the Church has invested in both a hospital and a university. It truly feels like the entire community is involved.”
Delegation from the National Day of Prayer Events visiting CUE’s campus. Erbil, Iraq ©Catholic University in Erbil 2025
Journalist and researcher Areej Alhag from The Washington Institute described CUE as “an outstanding project.” Reflecting on her visit to Erbil and the National Day of Prayer activities, she said, “Our region needs more places like Erbil and more models like Kurdistan, where religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence are so deeply rooted. This experience must be replicated elsewhere.”
Since its establishment, the Catholic University in Erbil has hosted and organized numerous conferences and events focused on peaceful coexistence and social cohesion, including the landmark International Conference on Peace and Social Harmony in 2022.The National Day of Prayer itself was a unique initiative held under the theme “Towards Unity in Faith”, bringing together over 400 participants — including senior officials, leaders from Iraq, Kurdistan, and around the world, as well as parliamentarians and government representatives from the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, alongside religious, cultural, and social figures.