Interfaith leaders gathered in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, from 14 to 15 September to explore common grounds in the world and traditional religions in the search for the promotion of world peace.
He urged everyone to come to the aid of those who suffer and to insist that genuine efforts be made to achieve peace, noting also that these days there have been reports of outbreaks of violence in the Caucasus region.
"We need religion to respond to the thirst for world peace and the thirst for the infinite that dwells in the hearts of each man and woman," says Pope Fancis.
Pope spoke of his "honor" for his presence there as "a pilgrim of peace, seeking dialogue and unity" at the courtesy meeting with authorities, civil society, and the Diplomatic Corps.
The Church leader of Central Asia invites all to show “religion as a way to peace” in an interview with the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN International).
Catholics and non-Catholics alike in the immense Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan are preparing and looking forward to welcoming Pope Francis to their country on Tuesday.
In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis noted that on September 13, he begins a three-day visit to that central Asian country to participate in a gathering of heads of the world and traditional religions.
Pope Francis will attend the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. The papal journey is also to show his closeness to the country's small but fervent Catholic community.
A bishop in Kazakhstan hopes Pope Francis' visit will reinforce the message of promoting peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups and religions.
Bishop Adelio Dell’Oro of Karaganda shares in the expectation of Kazakhs for the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Kazakhstan and its great joy and blessing for all.
