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| Pope Francis tells Mongolia’s tiny community that God loves littleness |
Less than a month ago, Pope Francis captured global attention with a Mass in Portugal that drew a crowd of over 1.5 million attendees. Today, on September 3rd, the pontiff turned his focus to a local church in Mongolia, a country with fewer than 1,500 Catholics.
"I thank God for you, since, through you, he loves to use what is little to achieve great things," Pope Francis conveyed to one of the world's smallest and newest Catholic communities, marking Mongolia's first-ever papal Mass.
"Go forward, gently and without fear, conscious of the closeness and the encouragement of the entire church, and above all the tender gaze of the Lord, who forgets no one and looks with love upon each of his children," the pope encouraged.
Mongolia, often associated with nomadic life and vast farmland, welcomed Pope Francis as a shepherd tending to his sheep. Shirin Pang, a volunteer from Singapore, shared her observations, emphasizing how unique the Catholic Church's growth is in Mongolia.
"At home, if you don't arrive at Mass early, you won't get a seat," she remarked. "Here, the church is just beginning to grow."
For this reason, the 86-year-old Pope Francis, who once aspired to be a Jesuit missionary in Japan, embarked on his 12th visit to Asia during his decade-long papacy. His goal: to strengthen a church still in its infancy.
"Our church is in that phase typical of children who constantly ask their parents questions," explained Mongolian pastoral worker Rufina Chamingerel during a meeting with the country's priests and missionaries.
In 1992, when the first Catholic missionaries arrived in Mongolia, the country was emerging from nearly a century of Soviet rule during which religious practices were prohibited. In just over three decades, the Catholic faith is gradually taking root in Mongolia, with the nation now boasting two native-born priests and the world's youngest Catholic cardinal, 49-year-old Giorgio Marengo.
"Catholicism has basically moved from the West to the East," noted Pang. "The people in Asia truly have a heart for God."
This reality was evident at the Steppe Arena, an ice hockey rink, where some 2,000 Catholics from South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and even neighboring China defied authorities' efforts to prevent Chinese faithful from attending the pope's visit. They joined local Mongolian Catholics for the Mass.
"We wouldn't be this close, even if we were to go to the Vatican," said Gazelle Hernandez, who moved to Mongolia from the Philippines three years ago. She shared how being part of one of the world's smallest Catholic communities made her faith feel more personal.
Reflecting on the contrast between one of the world's most populous Catholic countries and one of its smallest, Hernandez said, "I get to be closer to people because I know them all."
Her fellow Mongolian parishioner, Ouyummaa Enkhtuvshin, who was born into a Catholic family, found it "easier to pick up the ideas and values" of the faith compared to many other Mongolians.
Henri de Solages, who moved to Mongolia from France two decades ago, acknowledged that Catholicism remains foreign to many Mongolians. However, he emphasized that despite the unique circumstances, all are thrilled about the pope's visit.
Despite these unconventional circumstances, Pope Francis used his homily to connect the Mongolian church with the universal church. "All of us are 'God's nomads,' pilgrims in search of happiness, wayfarers thirsting for love," the pope proclaimed.
At the conclusion of the Mass, he extended a special acknowledgment to the Chinese Catholics in attendance, thanking them for their presence and urging them to be "good Christians and good citizens."
Earlier in the day, Francis engaged in a "historical" encounter with Mongolia's interreligious leaders, sharing the stage with representatives from a dozen other traditions. He emphasized the importance of choosing fraternity over fundamentalism and quoted Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jesus Christ.
Among those joining him were representatives from the Russian Orthodox Church, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and an evangelical pastor. Despite over 40% of Mongolia's population identifying as non-believers, the country has a rich history of religious tolerance dating back to its founder, Genghis Khan.
Mahinda Deegalle, an expert in Buddhism, described Francis as "a living saint" for many Mongolian Buddhists, citing the pope's dedication to interfaith dialogue. He believed this visit would mark a new phase of interfaith dialogue.
As Pope Francis concludes his visit to Mongolia on September 4th, he will visit "The House of Mercy," a shelter providing healthcare and social services for homeless individuals and victims of violence. The center, operated by the Catholic Church, is open to people of all faiths and none.
Afterward, the pope will embark on an 11.5-hour flight back to Rome, where an onboard press conference is expected.
