ACN International’s press director, María Lozano, tells us about the messages left by the Pope’s visit to Mongolia.
ACN – «The ‘Fratelli tutti’ has been very much alive in the Pope’s interreligious meetings in Mongolia». This is how Maria Lozano, press director of ACN International defined it after her participation in the visit of the Holy Father to the Asian country. Francis left many messages to the Mongolian people. Among them, he encouraged the missionaries, who are part of the community of 1,500 Catholics, to continue with their evangelizing work in spite of the difficulties they face in such a different country.
- What were the most important messages that the Pope left during his trip to Mongolia?
In the first place, the importance of the little things and not to always be aware of the numbers. The visit is a key fact of this. The Pope did not come to Mongolia because it is a huge community because it is very powerful or has great international significance. This country is perhaps one of the smallest in the world because success and appearance is not the most important thing. Sometimes we see it as a limitation, but he said no, it’s actually a gain. So, he reminded me of Mary, the servant of the Lord, who in her humility is far more important than all the kings of the Earth.
On the other hand, communion. The Church is universal and we are all united. This unity has been very noticeable, starting with the missionaries. The universal Church is very much seen here, not so much among the faithful because many of them are Mongolians, but among the Church itself. There is a universality, a very great communion and it is very important. Another very important point has been to whisper the Gospel. Cardinal Marengo spoke about it, about this closeness. To whisper you have to be very close to the other person and it implies trust and closeness.
- How was the reception given by the small Christian community, the authorities and the communities of the other religious confessions present in the country?
The atmosphere was harmonious. The Christian community was very joyful, very happy and proud of their country. The authorities received the Pope with great respect. It should also be said that it was not an event organized by the Church, but an invitation from the Government of Mongolia. In addition, with the communities of the other religious confessions present in the country we have seen a lot of affection. I remember the most important Buddhist representative of Mongolia, who is the abbot of one of the most important monasteries, when the Pope arrived at the interreligious meeting, he treated him with great affection and closeness.
- During these days of your visit, what were the most outstanding moments or encounters that Francis had?
The meeting with the missionaries, the religious orders, the laity and the pastoral workers in Mongolia in the cathedral. It was very beautiful for the Church because of that dedication and those words that the Pope dedicated to them, speaking to them about being nomads of God.
Also, the interreligious meeting was of great importance to show that it is one of the messages that the Pope wanted to give to the world. The Church does not have a political agenda, nor does it want to create influence, it is not aggressive. But, it is there to create links and bridges. I believe that the ‘Fratelli tutti’ has been very much lived in the interreligious meetings.
- In your sharing with the faithful and priests of the Catholic Church, what messages did you convey to them regarding this visit of the Supreme Pontiff?
I have had quite a few conversations with Mongolian faithful and families. I would ask them why they had come to the Catholic faith. Here most of them are atheists or Buddhists and being Catholic is a rather exotic thing. Many of the women said that they had found comfort in the Church in very difficult situations in their lives. Daily life in Mongolia is not easy. They also saw the good that the Church was doing for their children. That is why I was very happy to see the family. In Mongolia the families are big and young. It seemed to me that there was a lot of affection among them. I think that is why the Church is so important for them, because it takes care of their children and their families.
- What projects has ACN supported in Mongolia and what would you say are the main needs of the Mongolian Church?
We have been supporting the Church in Mongolia almost from the beginning in small things because the Church is small. For example, in constructions like the cathedral, we help to do improvement works. With cars to the congregations or whatever they need for their pastoral work. With the Pope’s visit, I think this help will increase because many people are now interested in the Catholic religion. I am sure that now they will have many fruits.
- Maria, you have stated that «Mongolia has the potential to become an important partner of the Holy See in East and Central Asia, as well as an example for other Asian countries.» Why do you think this is so and how does the Pope’s visit influence Mongolia’s role as a mediator and role model?
The Pope’s message is of great help to all the minority churches in the Asian and Eurasian area. They are all minority countries in peripheral situations. They have worked it and are working it in many other areas. The word consolation has been very important. I believe that the Pope also came to console, as a father of the Church, all these faithful who feel far away.