2023-07-06 14:08:00
July 6, 2023 / 7:08 a.m.
This Thursday, July 6, the Vatican published the logo, motto, and program of Pope Francis’ apostolic trip to Mongolia, an Asian country bordering Russia and China, which the Holy Father will visit from August 31 to April 4. September of this year 2023.
Francis will thus become the first Pontiff to visit this Asian country where more than 3 million inhabitants live, of whom only 1,500 are Catholics.
This trip is yet another example of the Pope’s desire to visit countries with a Catholic minority to bring their closeness to their inhabitants and that of the entire Church.
The Pontiff will remain in the country for 4 days from Thursday, August 31, to Monday, September 4, when he will return to Rome.
The Holy See Press Office has reported on the logo and motto of what will be his 43rd apostolic journey.
The visit was confirmed on June 3 by the Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni. Along with the logo and motto, the Vatican published details about the program of the apostolic journey.
The logotype
Regarding the logo, it can be seen that above the words of the motto is the map of Mongolia, painted in the colors of the country’s flag (red and blue). In it appears a ger or yurt, that is, a house used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia, from which a trail of yellow smoke comes out.
Yellow is the color of the Vatican. To the right of the yurt there is a cross, and between these two elements there are two vertical inscriptions in the traditional Mongolian language, which repeat the motto: Hoping Together (Waiting together)
The motto
Indeed, the motto was chosen to emphasize the two aspects of the Pontiff’s apostolic trip to Mongolia: it is both a state visit and a pastoral visit.
“Hope is a specifically Christian virtue, but one commonly accepted in non-Christian circles as well,” the description reads.
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Likewise, the word “Together” underlines the importance of bilateral cooperation between the Holy See and Mongolia.
The presence of the Holy Father represents a sign of hope and encouragement for the small community of faithful Christians.
The program
The Pontiff will depart for Ulaanbaatar, capital of the Republic of Mongolia, on Thursday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. (local time) from Rome/Fiumicino International Airport.
On Friday, September 1, at 10 a.m., you will arrive at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where the official welcoming ceremony will take place.
On Saturday, September 2, Sukhbaatar Square will host the welcoming ceremony at 9:00. Later, at 9:30 a.m., the Holy Father will visit the President of the Republic, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, at the Government Palace.
Then, at 10:20 a.m., he will meet with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps in the Ikh Mongol room of the Government Palace. On this occasion, he will deliver his first speech.
At 11:00 he will meet with the Chairman of the Greater Khural State, Gombojav Zandanshatar, at the Mongolian Parliament House and at 11:10 with the Prime Minister, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene.
Later, at 4:00 p.m., he will have a meeting with the bishops, priests, missionaries, consecrated men and women, and pastoral agents in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, where he will deliver his second speech.
On Sunday, September 3, at 10:00 in the morning, the Pontiff will participate in the ecumenical and interreligious meeting at the Hun Theatre. The Pope will address a few words to the attendees.
At 4:00 p.m., the Holy Father will preside over the Holy Mass inside the Steppe Arena, a stadium, and will deliver his homily.
On Monday, September 4, he will meet, at 9:30, with the operators of the charity and will inaugurate the House of Mercy. Afterwards, he will read a speech.
Then, the farewell ceremony will take place at Chinggis Khaan International Airport at 11:30 a.m., for departure around 12:00 p.m., arriving at Rome/Fiumicino International Airport around 5:20 p.m.
The following is the official website of the apostolic journey, to date under construction:
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