During his visit to Mongolia, Pope Francis called for inter-religious harmony to overcome injustice, conflict, environmental degradation and persecution.
Pope Francis called for harmony between faiths at an interfaith meeting in Mongolia. Religions in particular have the task of promoting peaceful coexistence in a world torn apart by strife and discord, said the head of the Catholic Church during his visit to the East Asian country.
If those responsible were to rely on encounters and dialogue, “this would be a decisive contribution to ending the conflicts that bring suffering to all peoples”. Harmony between religions can enrich humanity and help it overcome injustice, conflict, environmental degradation and persecution.
Holy Mass with around 2000 people
Twelve representatives of other faiths took part in the meeting at the Hun Theater near the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. In addition to the religious leaders of Buddhism and shamanism, there were also representatives of Islam, Judaism, Christian denominations and the pastor of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ulan Bator. They all emphasized the importance of harmonious coexistence.
In the afternoon, Pope Francis was to celebrate Holy Mass in the Steppe Arena. Around 2000 people were expected. The Catholic community in Mongolia has almost 1,500 members. Foreign pilgrims are expected from China, for example.
The pontiff has been in the world’s second largest landlocked country since Friday for the first visit by a pope. During his visit to Mongolia, Francis wants to strengthen not only the interreligious dialogue but also the small Catholic community.
Source: Stern
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