Pope Francis made a historic visit to Mongolia, unveiling the centuries-old ties between the Roman Catholic Church and the Asian nation. Despite the country’s predominantly Buddhist and atheist population, the Pope highlighted the long-standing connection between Mongolia and Catholicism. During his visit, the Pope witnessed traditional Mongolian performances and was treated like an emperor by the locals.
Mongolia, with its Catholic population of just 1,400, has only a few churches and two native Mongolian priests. As the Pope arrived, horses and goats outnumbered the people on the streets to catch a glimpse of his motorcade. However, a small community of dedicated pilgrims, mostly from other countries, gathered in the capital city to welcome the pontiff.
In an event at the State Palace, Pope Francis acknowledged the small yet enthusiastic Catholic community in Mongolia and praised their commitment to the country’s growth. He emphasized the historical ties between Mongolia and the Catholic Church, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations several decades ago and even earlier.
Historians trace this connection back to the seventh century when an Eastern branch of Christianity coexisted with Mongolian shamanism. Some commanders in Genghis Khan’s empire were Christians, further solidifying the relationship. In recognition of this shared history, Pope Francis presented Mongolia with an authenticated copy of a letter from the Mongol Emperor, Güyük, dating back to 1246. However, it is worth noting that the correspondence was not amicable, as Pope Innocent IV had expressed concerns over the Mongol Empire’s actions.
Despite Catholicism’s small presence in Mongolia, the country’s approach to religion has historically been pragmatic. During the height of the Mongolian Empire, peaceful trade along the Silk Road was facilitated by the Mongols extracting religious artifacts, such as Christian crosses, Qurans, or Buddhist statues, from caravans to facilitate commerce.
After the fall of the Mongol Empire, Mongolia came under Soviet influence, and religious practice was suppressed. Only in the 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, did Catholics start returning to the country. Catholic missionaries, like Giorgio Marengo, arrived and established communities in provinces that had never seen a church before. The Catholic population, while still small, is slowly growing.
During his visit, Pope Francis also joined Cardinal Marengo and other missionaries at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Ulaanbaatar. Addressing the congregation, the Pope encouraged them not to be discouraged by their small numbers but to remember that God loves littleness.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’s historic visit to Mongolia highlighted the long-standing ties between the Catholic Church and the country, despite the small Catholic population. The visit served as a reminder of the historical connections between Mongolia and Christianity, dating back centuries. As the Catholic community in Mongolia continues to grow, the Pope’s message of encouragement resonates with the faithful.
