The 86-year-old Pope’s three-day visit is a gesture of support for the small Catholic community of about 1,400 people, but also a strategic move to improve the Vatican’s relations with neighboring China and Russia.
Regarding the Catholic population in Mongolia, the director of the Holy See Press Office spoke of a “little flock” reborn after the collapse of communism in 1992.
The plane carrying Francis passed Chinese airspace, and the pope, according to tradition, sent a telegram to President Xi Jinping, with “best wishes” to him and the Chinese people.
Francis was greeted by a line of Mongolian honor guards wearing traditional dress upon his arrival, along with Foreign Minister Patmunkh Patsetseg.
After a day of rest, Saturday’s itinerary includes a welcome ceremony, meetings with President Ukhna Khurlsukh and Prime Minister Luvsanamsray Uyun Erden, and a first speech to authorities, diplomats and members of civil society.
The Pope will meet the Catholic community – which includes only 25 priests and 33 nuns, only two of whom are Mongolian – on Saturday at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.
An interfaith gathering and a mass at the newly constructed ice hockey arena are on Sunday’s agenda. According to the Vatican, pilgrims from neighboring countries are expected to attend, including Russia, China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan.
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