Pope Francis embarked on a momentous journey to Mongolia, marking the very first papal visit to this Asian nation. His visit, scheduled to continue until Monday, carries profound significance as it extends support to Mongolia’s relatively small Catholic community, comprising around 1,400 individuals. It also serves as a strategic move aimed at enhancing Vatican relations with its neighbors, China and Russia.

Despite his 86 years, Pope Francis undertook a taxing nine-hour flight from Rome to Mongolia. Upon arrival, he emphasized Mongolia’s unique character, describing it as a nation that “can be understood with the senses.” In response to a journalist’s query about diplomacy, he playfully remarked, “Sometimes you need a sense of humor.”

During the flight, the papal plane passed through Chinese airspace, prompting Pope Francis to send a telegram to Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the message, he extended warm greetings and prayers for the nation’s well-being while invoking divine blessings of unity and peace. Notably, it’s essential to mention that China and the Holy See do not maintain official diplomatic ties.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, responded positively to the Pope’s message, expressing China’s eagerness to “strengthen mutual trust” with the Vatican. He underscored that the Vatican’s blessings reflected friendship and goodwill, demonstrating China’s readiness to engage in constructive dialogue.

Pope Francis received a warm welcome in Mongolia, where he was greeted by an honor guard dressed in traditional attire, and his arrival was heralded by followers waving and chanting “Long live the pope!” He paid a visit to the residence of Bishop Giorgio Marengo, the Church’s youngest Cardinal, where he engaged with hundreds of devoted followers.

This trip to Mongolia follows Pope Francis’ visit to Kazakhstan the previous year and underscores the geopolitical importance of the region. It represents the Holy See’s effort to maintain connections with Central Asia, ensuring it isn’t exclusively influenced by Russia or China.

Furthermore, this visit holds strategic importance in keeping avenues open for enhancing Vatican relations with Beijing and Moscow, both of which have yet to extend invitations to Pope Francis. The Holy See renewed a contentious agreement with China last year regarding the appointment of bishops, and Pope Francis has actively participated in diplomatic initiatives to address the conflict in Ukraine involving Russia.

Despite recent health challenges, including a hernia operation and knee discomfort necessitating a wheelchair, Pope Francis continues his extensive travels. His visit to Mongolia encompasses engagements with the country’s leadership, addressing authorities and diplomats, and interactions with the Catholic community and interfaith gatherings.

This visit also provides Pope Francis with an opportunity to emphasize democratic principles and draw attention to environmental concerns in Mongolia. The nation faces challenges such as climate change, overgrazing, and mining-induced desertification. The visit serves as a reminder to Mongolian authorities regarding their governance responsibilities.

In essence, Pope Francis’ visit to Mongolia encompasses both a pastoral mission to support the local Catholic community and a diplomatic endeavor aimed at strengthening relations with neighboring nations, notably China and Russia.