Pope Francis meets with President of Kazakhstan

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis received the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in the Vatican on Friday.

Following his meeting with Pope Francis, the President met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, the discussions were "cordial," and "appreciation was expressed for the positive bilateral relations between the Holy See and Kazakhstan."

In particular, it noted, the Pope and President highlighted "mutual cooperation in the area of interreligious dialogue," and "hopes were expressed for an increasingly active role of believers in the life of the Nation in favour of the common good."

"Regional and international themes," the statement continued, "were then discussed, with special attention to conflicts and humanitarian issues, noting the importance of the urgent commitment to the promotion of peace and stability in the world."

Apostolic Journey to Kazakhstan as 'pilgrim of peace'

Pope Francis made an Apostolic Journey to the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan in September 2022, for the occasion of the Seventh Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, marking his 38th Journey abroad as Pope.

Catholics make up a mere 1 percent of Kazakhstan's population, which is 70 percent Muslim and 25 percent Christian, primarily Russian Orthodox.

Pope Francis receives the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan   (Vatican Media)