The Catholic community in Mongolia, though small in number, is eagerly anticipating Pope Francis’s historic journey to the country, which will take place from August 31st to September 4th. The announcement of the Pope's visit has sparked excitement and fervour among the country's 1,500 Catholics, and has also caught the attention of non-Catholic citizens who are eager to witness this unprecedented event.

In an exclusive interview Munkhzul Zoljargal, the Communications Director of the Catholic Church in Mongolia, unveiled a preview of the preparations and sentiments surrounding the upcoming papal visit.

"Our preparation for the visit is already in full swing," Munkhzul Zoljargal, revealed during the interview at the EWTN Summer Academy in Rome. "The entire program has been published, and all the necessary information will be made available on our general website."

With a population of only 1,500 Catholics and 75 missionaries, representing various congregations, and a total of nine officially registered places of worship, Mongolia's Catholic community is indeed small. Munkhzul Zoljargal expressed her excitement about the Pope's visit, underscoring the profound significance of his presence in such a remote corner of the Catholic world.

"Our small community is thrilled to welcome Pope Francis," she said. "This visit holds immense importance for us, as it reaffirms our faith and provides a sense of connection to the wider Catholic community around the world."

In Mongolia religious affiliation is dominated by Buddhism and Mongolian Shamanism, making the upcoming papal visit all the more exceptional. Despite being primarily non-Catholic, the anticipation surrounding Pope Francis' visit has reached far beyond the Catholic community, garnering interest and enthusiasm from people of various beliefs.

"The non-Catholic citizens are also eagerly looking forward to seeing the Pope," Munkhzul Zoljargal noted. "It's a remarkable opportunity for them to witness a historic event and experience the message of peace and unity that Pope Francis brings."

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of Mongolia, like many others around the world, continue to feel the effects of the pandemic and face unprecedented difficulties in maintaining their religious practices and a sense of community. Munkhzul Zoljargal shared her hopes that the Pope's visit would serve as a source of renewal and revitalization for the faithful.

"The pandemic has made people less active in their religious lives," she explained. "We hope that Pope Francis' visit will renew our zeal and strengthen our faith as we navigate through these challenging times."

When questioned about the reasons behind Pope Francis' decision to visit Mongolia, Munkhzul Zoljargal revealed that it was in response to an invitation from President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. The Pope's acceptance of the invitation is seen as a testament to his dedication to reaching out to even the smallest Catholic communities, fostering a sense of unity and understanding across diverse cultures. This notion of intercultural dialogue and of reaching out to the peripheries, has been a cornerstone of Pope Francis’s pontificate.

"The Pope accepted the invitation as a gesture of support and encouragement to our small flock," Munkhzul Zoljargal emphasized. "His presence will inspire us to be more courageous in evangelizing and growing our faith, even in a place where Christianity is relatively unfamiliar."

As the interview concluded, Munkhzul Zoljargal extended her gratitude for the opportunity to speak about the much-anticipated visit and expressed her appreciation for all the hard work put into the preparations. She also extended her invitation to everyone to pray for the success of this remarkable event.

This article was edited by Matthew Santucci.