In a historic visit to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Pope Francis (R) had the opportunity to walk outside a traditional Mongolian yurt with a devoted Catholic named Mrs. Tsetsege on the grounds of the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cathedral. The photo captures this memorable moment. (Photo credit: Ciro Fusco/EPA-EFE)
Sept. 2 (UPI) — During his visit to Mongolia, Pope Francis met with the country’s bishops and priests in Ulaanbaatar. He commended Mongolia’s rich history of religious tolerance, emphasizing its significance and relevance in the present day.
The Pontiff engaged with missionaries, consecrated individuals, and pastoral workers inside the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Outside the church, individuals who were unable to attend gathered along the street, waving flags adorned with the Vatican’s coat of arms. The Vatican’s official news agency reported on this memorable encounter.
This meeting took place a day after Pope Francis became the first Pope to visit Mongolia. After a long flight from Rome, the 86-year-old Pontiff arrived at Chinggis Khaan airport, where he received a warm welcome from Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh.
Francis embarked on this three-day journey with the objective of engaging with the approximately 1,500 Catholics residing in Mongolia. Amidst increasing tensions with Beijing, his visit also carries geopolitical significance.
During the meeting, Pope Francis encouraged Mongolian Catholic leaders to dedicate their lives to the Gospel, describing it as a beautiful representation of the missionary calling of Christians. He also urged Catholics to seek guidance from Mary, the mother of Jesus, in order to renew their fervor and express an unwavering love while bearing witness to the Gospel.
Mongolia, situated between Russia and China, is a country with a small Catholic population. Buddhism is the predominant religion, and Mongolian leaders maintain close ties with Tibetan lamas, including the Dalai Lama. However, relations between Catholics and other faith communities in Mongolia remain amicable.
The Vatican acknowledged Mongolia’s rich tradition of tolerance and openness, dating back to Emperor Chinggis Khaan (also known as Genghis Khan), the founder of the Mongol Empire. This historical context explains the country’s remarkable ability to embrace different cultures and foster common development.
During a meeting with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Pope Francis praised the country’s traditions, highlighting the significance of acknowledging the outstanding qualities of diverse peoples and utilizing those qualities for collective progress. He emphasized the importance of adopting this model in today’s world.
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