Visiting Rome, a delegation of Buddhists from Mongolia was received on January 13 at the Vatican by Pope Francis. The Bishop of Rome encouraged them to persevere in promoting dialogue, fraternity, and religious freedom, but also in strengthening relations with the Catholic Church in Mongolia, in the interest of peace and prosperity for all.
Myriam Sandouno – Vatican City
During the audience with Buddhists from Mongolia, accompanied by Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, the Holy Father, from the start of his speech, underlined that “this first visit to the Vatican is of particular significance, as it reflects the friendly and enduring relations between the Holy See and the noble people of Mongolia“. Francis testified to having experienced this friendship during his 43rd apostolic journey to Mongolia, carried out from August 31 to September 4, 2023.
Pope’s visit to Mongolia
One of the highlights of this visit, he indicated, “was the interreligious meeting, during which we reflected on the deep spiritual aspiration specific to all men and women, which we can compare to a great union of brothers and sisters walking through life with eyes turned towards the sky“. Today, the Pope rejoices: “I therefore welcome you “as a brother to all, in the name of the common religious quest”».
A religious heritage found
The Pope praised the efforts made, having promoted since the 1990s, “a profound religious revival“. By reviving traditional spiritual practices, and integrating them into the development of the nation, “Mongolia has regained its rich religious heritage, while demonstrating its efforts towards a successful democratic transition».
«Your commitment to religious freedom and dialogue between different faiths has helped cultivate an environment of mutual respect for all traditions, fostering a society enriched not only by material prosperity. but also “by values essential to fraternal solidarity“, the Pope told the Buddhists. François considers that it is by promoting these values that “religions play a fundamental role in building a just and united society».
Peace and unity among peoples
At the start of the Jubilee Year which, in Christian tradition, is a time of pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope; and in a context marked by natural disasters and human conflicts, the Pope did not fail to note that this Holy Year “reminds us of the common goal of building a more peaceful world, which promotes harmony between people and with our “common home”“. Attached to the universal desire for peace, the Sovereign Pontiff called for concrete measures to be taken: “in particular, as religious leaders rooted in our respective teachings, we have a responsibility to guide humanity to renounce violence and embrace a culture of peace».
Finally, Pope Francis encouraged people to persevere in the promotion of religious freedom, dialogue, fraternity, justice and social harmony. But also in that of “strengthening relations with the Catholic Church in Mongolia, in the interest of peace and prosperity for all».
