A football match was held in Tishk International University Stadium on March 3rd, 2021. The event was organized in collaboration with Scholas Occurentes Foundation in Vatican City, to mark the special occasion of Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq and the Region of Kurdistan. The match was attended by Scholas representatives, Dr. Mario Del Verme, Sports Director at Scholas, and Mr. Manuel Deza, International Teacher at Scholas.

The diversity of our University’s staff and students impacts its strength and productivity, establishing an exceptional and creative learning environment. TIU is privileged to be a home to people of different ages, religions, race, and ethnicities. To demonstrate the University’s community, the students selected to participate in the match were chosen amongst various religions and ethnic backgrounds. The match displayed TIU’s peaceful environment, where differences are warmly embraced and accepted.

Prior to the start of the game, an opening ceremony was held, in which an olive tree was planted on the University’s campus to mark a symbol of peace and coexistence and represent the purpose of the Pope’s visit. Across the world, an olive tree is a symbol of wisdom, stability, and peace, it represents the purpose of the Pope’s visit. Dr. Idris Hadi Salih, Head of Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Oztas, Director of International Relations Office, our staff, and students along with the Scholas delegation joined the ceremony. Dr. Idris and Dr. Mario delivered a speech, in which they highlighted the purpose and significance of planting an olive tree and what it symbolizes. Dr. Oztas also stated that “the Scholas team will bring a tablet from Vatican City for this tree as a remembrance of this day and Pope Francis’s visit to Erbil/Iraq.”

Tishk International University is honored by His Holiness Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. It has given us consolation and hope for prosperity, safety, and a brighter future.