The Vatican became a venue for negotiations during which the President of Mongolia discussed issues of cultural cooperation and the role of the Church in the development of the country, particularly in healthcare and education.
In addition to an audience with Pope Leo, the President of Mongolia also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican. The topics discussed included cultural cooperation and the Church's contribution to the development of Mongolian society, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
On December 4, 2025, at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV held an audience with the President of Mongolia, His Excellency Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. After this meeting, the president also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of His Holiness, and Monsignor Michaitse Blaz, Deputy Secretary for International Relations.
President Khurelsukh congratulated Pope Leo XIII on his election as head of the Catholic Church and the Holy See.
At the meetings in the State Secretariat, the good relations between Mongolia and the Vatican were discussed, as well as the desire to further strengthen cultural ties. The positive contribution of the local Catholic Church to the development of education and healthcare in Mongolia was also mentioned.
The leaders of the two countries discussed current international issues and confirmed their readiness to assist the efforts of the global community in ensuring peace and stability, as well as to work together on issues of climate change, desertification, and poverty.
Diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Vatican were established in 1992, and since then the countries have maintained friendly ties and cooperation. In 2022, Giorgio Marengo became the youngest cardinal in the history of Mongolia.
In 1993, the Holy See allocated 1,000 kg of medicines and 31,000 US dollars for the aftermath of forest and steppe fires that occurred in the spring of 1996.
In addition, in 2000, Pope John Paul II donated 50,000 US dollars to help those affected by dzud, and the Vatican humanitarian organization "Cor Unum" donated 30,000 US dollars.
Since 1992, with the support of the Holy See, nine students from Mongolia have studied in the Philippines, and two in Italy.
Tatar S. Maidar
source: MiddleAsianNews
