Mongolian President at the Vatican

Monday morning, Pope Benedict XVI received the President of the Republic of Mongolia, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, in audience. The President later went on to meet with Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

The landlocked Central Asian nation is home to just over 2.7 million people. Bordering Russia to the north and the People's Republic of China to the south, east and west, its’ capital and largest city Ulan Bator is home to about 45% of the population. In 1992 a peaceful democratic revolution, following the introduction of perestroika and glasnost in the USSR led the introduction of a multi-party system and market economy.

According to a 2010 National Census 53% of Mongolians were Buddhists, 39% Atheists. There are around 760 Roman Catholics in the country. As of 2006, there is an Apostolic Prefecture, a bishop, three churches in the capital and diplomatic full relations between the Vatican and Mongolia since 1992.

A press release issued Monday following the encounter states that during the Holy Father’s meeting with the President : “the good relations existing between Mongolia and the Holy See were recalled, as well as the understanding and cooperation between Church and State in the educational and social sectors”.

“Furthermore” – concluded the statement – “the political situation in Asia was examined, with particular attention to the importance of intercultural and interreligious dialogue for the promotion of peace and justice”.