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Pope Francis: First Pastoral Visit Lampedusa, Italy (2013) Scott 1819, 2023 Despite some health issues that have plagued him during the last year, Pope Francis will embark on his second international trip during the month of August when he visits the Asian country of Mongolia from August 31 through September 4. The trip will be the first by a pope to Mongolia. Mongolia is a landlocked country and is literally surrounded by Russia and China. At one time a communist nation, it maintains relations with its two neighbors, the two largest communist nations in the world. Catholicism first arrived in this country in the 13th century during the Mongol empire, but it did not flourish (currently, Buddhism is the principal religion, practiced by over 50% of inhabitants, although a large percentage of the population identifies with no religion). Catholic ministry in Mongolia ceased once a socialist republic was formed in the 1920s, but in 1991 Catholic missionaries returned with the establishment of a democratic government in the country. Still, Mongolia has a very small Catholic population (estimated at only 13,000). The Holy See and Mongolia established diplomatic relations in 1992. The pope’s visit has been publicized as an opportunity to meet with leaders of the local government, participate in ceremonies with civil authorities, and engage with the local Catholic population. In addition, the pope will participate in interdenominational gatherings, a Mass (where he will deliver the homily) and the dedication of the House of Mercy, a charitable center located in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. However, one might ask: why is the pope venturing to Mongolia, one of the most remote countries in the world? It may be an effort to improve relations with China (which are currently strained due to disagreements between China and the Vatican regarding the appointment of bishops). But one can speculate that it may be an attempt on the part of the pope and the Vatican to intervene in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Within the last couple of weeks, the pope has focused attention on the war. He visited the Shrine at Fatima during his recent trip to Portugal as part of the World Youth Day celebration and participated in a prayer service for peace at the shrine. And he included remarks on the war during his Angelus prayer on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where he stated: Today, we entrust to Mary assumed into Heaven our supplication for peace in Ukraine and in all war-torn regions: there are so many of them, unfortunately. The clamor of weapons drowns out attempts at dialogue; the law of force prevails over the force of law. But let us not be discouraged, let us continue to hope and to pray, because it is God, it is He who guides history. May He listen to us! It leaves us to wonder—and hope—that this trip may lead to a diplomatic breakthrough, perhaps to finding a way to halt the war linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. REFERENCES: Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service, July 6, 2023 (as presented on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), Vatican publishes schedule for papal trip to Mongolia Vatican.va, August 15, 2023, Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis, Angelus, August 15, 2023 |
