Pope Francis arrives in Mongolia today for a trip abroad. It is expected to arrive in the capital Ulan Bator at 10am local time (4am CEST). Francis is the first pope to visit the large landlocked country between Russia and China. During his visit, the 86-year-old Pontifex Maximus wants to strengthen the Catholic community and advance dialogue between religions. Mongolia’s geopolitical situation also plays a role.
After the outbound flight, the head of the Catholic Church does not require appointments on the day of arrival. On Saturday, Francis will meet with the Mongolian government. He then gives his first speech and meets the clergy.
Of Mongolia’s more than three million inhabitants, there are just under 1,500 Catholics; the country is characterized by Buddhism and shamanism. There is therefore an interfaith meeting on Sunday – the parish priest of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ulan Bator is also scheduled to participate.