Mongolians express pride in hosting Pope Francis

Sep 15, 2023

By Loup Besmond de Senneville
Pope Francis had one of the most unusual popemobile tours of his decade-long pontificate in Mongolia when he entered an ice hockey arena in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, for a Mass with the country’s tiny Catholic community.

Far from the jubilation that usually pervades the Pope’s public appearances in stadiums and airports around the world, the welcome Francis received inside the Steppe Arena was as discreet as the country’s 1,500-member Church. But the 86-year-old Francis was visibly moved by the fervour displayed by the clusters of people who pressed up against barriers to try and greet him.

A personality who inspires confidence
Many of the 2,000 people inside the arena came from other Asian countries, including Singapore and South Korea. Others came from China and Russia. There were also Mongolian Catholics sitting in the blue and yellow seats of the small ice arena on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar.

A 15-year-old girl named Anujin came with her parents from their town of Shuwuu, two hours away. While waiting for the Mass to begin as a brass band (surprisingly) played Carmen Toreador, she told us through the use of a smartphone translation app that “we wouldn’t know Jesus” without the Pope. She was counting on the Pope to “teach us understanding, respect and trust”, the teen said.

“We are united for the protection of human rights, peace and democracy,” added Oyunjargal, a 47-year-old lawyer who came with a friend from her parish.

Also inside the arena, wearing the yellow volunteer vest, was 17-year-old Anu. She’s not Catholic, although her mother and aunt, who asked her to “tell them about the Pope”, are. She said she loves going to churches, and appreciates “the way Catholics help the poorest”. When asked about the Pope, Anu described him as a “great figure” who projects a “good image”. “I’d like to know what he thinks of our country, if he’s surprised by the people he meets, if he thought he’d see so many people,” she said.

“It’s a great opportunity for the country” Many of the Mongolian Catholics at Steppe Arena said they were proud that Pope Francis chose to visit their country.

“These days, the whole world is watching Mongolia,” enthused Michel, a 27-year-old engineer originally from Ulaanbaatar, but who has been living in the Czech Republic for the past five years. “It’s a great opportunity for the country,” continued the young man, who defines himself as “without religion, but respecting them all”. He said he hoped that, as a result of the papal visit, “Mongolia’s image will improve and tourists will come.”

That’s also an objective of the Mongolian government. In fact, the leaders of this Central Asian country that is wedged between Russia and China have been trying for several years to put the country on the map of international opinion.

“His visit will bear fruit for Mongolia, particularly in terms of affirming its democracy, independence and status in the world,” said Gabriel, a former Buddhist who converted to Roman Catholicism as a 15-year-old. Now 36, he expressed more spiritual expectations of seeing Francis. He praised the Pope for his “love and benevolence towards the region”, calling him “the most important man on earth”. “He is a symbol of hope for the whole world, especially through his commitment to peace,” added Gabriel, who lives in Ulaanbaatar where he works for a mining company.

These are words Pope Francis seemed to hear as he made his way through the arena before the Mass, as evidenced by his closing remarks at the conclusion of the liturgy. “May we continue to grow closer in fraternity,” he said, “as seeds of peace in a world tragically devastated by all too many wars and conflicts.” --LCI (https:// international.la-croix.com)