Pope Francis entrusts his visit to Kazakhstan to Our Lady

By Vatican News staff reporter

On the eve of his 38th Apostolic Journey abroad, Pope Francis went Monday according to his custom to the Roman Basilica of Saint Mary Major to entrust his visit to Our Lady.

He prayed for a while before the ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani in the early afternoon before returning to the Vatican, according to the Holy See Press Office.

Pope Francis will depart from Rome on Tuesday morning, arriving in Kazakhstan around 1:00 PM local time.

Kazakhstan visit

The Holy Father visits the Central Asian country for the VII Congress of Leaders of of World and Traditional Religions, as well as to encourage the nation's small Catholic community.

The theme of this year’s Congress is "The Role of Leaders of World and Traditional Faiths in the Socio-Spiritual Development of Humanity after the Pandemic."

The Pope's journey, which takes place on 13-15 September, will be the Holy Father's latest gesture to promote peace in the world with the help of other religious leaders, according to the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni.

Live coverage begins with a meeting with Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps.