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Pope Francis: ‘Mongolia is a symbol of religious freedom’

NEWS DESK by NEWS DESK
September 1, 2023
in ASIA - PACIFIC
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Mongolia has strong ties with its geographic neighbors China and Russia as well as an important diplomatic relationship with the United States, which Mongolia calls its “third neighbor.”

“Mongolia today, with its broad network of diplomatic relations … plays a significant role in the heart of the great Asian continent and on the international scene,” the pope said.

Pope Francis and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh stand in front of a large statue of Ghengis Khan. Andrea Gagliarducci/EWTN

The Vatican’s diplomatic contacts with Mongolia date back nearly 800 years

Pope Francis recalled how Friar John of Pian del Carpine visited the third Mongol emperor, Guyug, in 1246 as an envoy of the pope and presented to the Grand Khan an official missive from Pope Innocent IV.

The letter in response bearing the seal of the Grand Khan in traditional Mongol letters can be found in the Vatican Library today. Pope Francis presented a copy of this historic document as a gift to Mongolia’s leaders as a “sign of an ancient friendship that is growing and being renewed.”

Pope Francis stands beside Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh as a traditional parade on horseback welcomes the pope in Sukhbaatar Square. Vatican Media
Pope Francis stands beside Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh as a traditional parade on horseback welcomes the pope in Sukhbaatar Square. Vatican Media

Today Mongolia is home to about 1,450 Catholics, far fewer than 1% of the country’s 3.3. million people.

“I am pleased that this [Catholic] community, however small and discreet, shares with enthusiasm and commitment in the country’s process of growth by spreading the culture of solidarity, universal respect, and interreligious dialogue, and by working for justice, peace, and social harmony,” Pope Francis said.

The pope also spoke about the positive contributions of other religious traditions in Mongolia, which is a Buddhist-majority country.

“The holistic vision of the Mongolian shamanic tradition, combined with the respect for all living beings inherited from Buddhist philosophy, can contribute significantly to the urgent and no longer deferrable efforts to protect and preserve planet Earth,” Pope Francis said.

(Story continues below)

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Pope Francis meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh inside of a traditional ger, or yurt, inside of the State Palace in Ulaanbaatar on Sept. 2, 2023. Vatican Media
Pope Francis meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh inside of a traditional ger, or yurt, inside of the State Palace in Ulaanbaatar on Sept. 2, 2023. Vatican Media

Pope Francis addressed about 700 people in the State Palace’s Ikh Mongol Hall while sitting beside Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. The pope applauded Mongolia’s efforts to promote human rights, abolishment of the death penalty, and “determination to stop nuclear proliferation” as a nuclear weapons-free country.

The pope also praised Mongolia’s traditional herding and farming practices for respecting “the delicate balances of the ecosystem,” adding that they provide an example to those who “reject the pursuit of myopic particular interests and wish instead to pass on to future generations lands that remain welcoming and fruitful.”

After the speech, Pope Francis met privately with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene inside the State Palace.

“I am certain that Mongolian Catholics will continue to offer readily their proper contribution to the building of a prosperous and secure society, in dialogue and cooperation with all others who dwell in this great land kissed by the sky,” Pope Francis said.

Courtney Mares

Courtney Mares is a Rome Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has reported from news bureaus on three continents and was awarded the Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees.


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