2023-07-14 17:29:00
July 14, 2023 / 10:29 a.m.
In a historic event, Pope Francis will embark on a four-day trip to Mongolia, a nation situated between the world powers of China and Russia.
The trip, scheduled for August 31 to September 4, is a testament to the Pope’s commitment to fostering dialogue and unity in places where the Catholic presence is minimal but deeply significant.
The Republic of Mongolia, a landlocked country with a population of about 3.32 million, is currently home to a small Catholic community of some 1,300 faithful, up from 14 in 1995, according to the Vatican. Even so, this represents a tiny fraction of the country’s inhabitants.
The Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, headed by Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, cares for the spiritual needs of the Mongolian Catholic community.
Despite the small number of faithful, the 49-year-old Italian cardinal, appointed by Pope Francis in August 2022, noted this week that there is a long history of papal relations with Mongolia, dating back centuries.
The upcoming papal visit, whose motto is “Waiting Together,” underscores the importance of fostering hope, a virtue deeply rooted in the Christian tradition but also universally recognized, the Vatican said.
The motto also highlights the significance of the bilateral cooperation between the Holy See and Mongolia, which embodies the spirit of this apostolic journey.
The Holy Father’s presence is seen as a beacon of hope and encouragement for Mongolia’s small Catholic population, according to the Vatican.
In addition, it is considered a sign of hope for the universal Church, especially considering Mongolia’s proximity to China, where an estimated 7.53 million Catholics live.
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