Pope arrives in Kazakhstan 'a pilgrim of peace'

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Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis arrived in the Kazakh capital of Nur-Sultan on Tuesday evening, for start of his 38th Apostolic Journey, marking the 57th country he has visited since the start of his pontificate. Coming as a 'pilgrim of peace', the Vatican said the Holy Father's visit is focussing on peace, unity, and interreligious dialogue.

After a warm welcome at the airport, Pope Francis paid a courtesy visit to the president of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and addressed civil authorities and the diplomatic corps.

In his speech he stressed the need to protect religious freedom, noting it represents "the best channel for civil coexistence."

The Pope recalled the country's history under the Communist regime, with mass deportations and prison camps. In spite of this, he stressed, "Kazakhs did not let themselves remain prisoners of these injustices: the memory of your seclusion led to a deep concern for inclusion."

"May the memory of the sufferings and trials you endured, be an indispensable part of your journey towards the future, inspiring you to give absolute priority to human dignity, the dignity of every man and woman, and of every ethnic, social, and religious group."

The Pope also expressed gratitude for the country's peace-making and environment-protecting efforts. He said: "I express deep appreciation for this country's decisive repudiation of nuclear weapons and its efforts to develop energy and environmental policies centred on decreased dependence on carbon fuel and on investment in clean sources of energy..."

After the meeting, the Pope traveled to the Apostolic Nunciature where he will stay for the duration of his trip.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis will take part in the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and celebrate Mass for the country's Catholics, who make up just one per cent of the country's population.There are approximately 250,000 Catholics in Kazakhstan out of a population of 15 million. Most are ethnic Poles, Germans and Lithuanians.

Watch the Pope's address on the Vatican YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aef681TZbJs