The Lasting Legacy of Pope Francis in Kazakhstan and Central Asia: A Beacon of Peace and Tolerance
Pope Francis' Demise Echoes in Kazakhstan, Archbishop Peta Honors Tribute
The demise of Pope Francis, the revered head of the Catholic Church, has ignited an outpouring of heartfelt condolences globally, including from believers and non-believers alike. In the heart of Central Asia, Archbishop Tomasz Bernard Peta, Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana, shares his thoughts on the Pope's lasting impact on Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian community.
A Pope for the People
Archbishop Peta recollects the Pope's visit to Kazakhstan in 2022, a trip that left indelible marks on the Catholic church and the Central Asian community.
"Pope Francis formed close bonds with the peoples of Central Asia during his visits to Kazakhstan in 2022 and Mongolia in 2023," said Archbishop Peta. The memorable holy service attended by over 10,000 people at Expo-2017 in Astana, the Pope's meetings with clergy, monastics, and the faithful, and the consecration of the 'Mother of the Great Steppe' icon are moments etched in memory.
A Road Paved with Peace
During his visit, Pope Francis led a holy mass in the Expo territory, urging the importance of daily efforts towards peace.
"Peace, coexistence of various ethnic groups and religious traditions, integral development, and social justice cannot be achieved once and for all; they must be acquired every day," the Pope stated.
In addition to emphasizing the need for peace, Pope Francis also applauded Kazakhstan for its role as a "country of encounter." He recognized the coexistence of nearly 150 ethnic groups and more than 80 languages, forming a harmonious symphony, truly making Kazakhstan a multiethnic, multicultural, and multi-confessional unique laboratory.
A Humble Guardian of the Faith
Beyond the Catholic church, Pope Francis earned support and admiration for his humility and compassion for the poor and needy. Archbishop Peta believes his papacy embodied modesty and a deep sensitivity to the plight of the less fortunate. His tireless pursuit of peace among nations and relentless defense of the unborn served as a beacon of hope for many.
Condolences Pour In
President Tokayev, moved by the Pope's passing, described him as an "extraordinary spiritual leader who tirelessly advocated for humanism, justice, and compassion." He fondly remembered the Pope's historic apostolic visit in 2022 as a powerful symbol of tolerance and mutual understanding.
The passing of Pope Francis prompted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to postpone her scheduled visit to Kazakhstan in April 2023. Expressing her condolences, she stated her intention to walk in the Pope's footsteps, working towards peace, the common good, and building a more equitable society.
Pope Francis's visits to Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, have been instrumental in fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting peace, and encouraging religious tolerance and harmony. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope for peaceful coexistence in the region.
In the aftermath of Pope Francis's passing, condolences pour in not only from the Catholic community but also from political leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who, moved by his demise, postponed her planned visit to Kazakhstan in April 2023 and expressed her intentions to follow in his footsteps, working towards peace and equitable society. Archbishop Tomasz Bernard Peta, in remembrance of the Pope's visit to Astana in 2022, highlights the integral role Pope Francis played in strengthening the Catholic church and the Central Asian community, with his humble and compassionate demeanor earning him support and admiration even outside the realm of religion. During his visit, Pope Francis encouraged daily efforts towards peace, applauded Kazakhstan as a unique laboratory of harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups and religious traditions, and left indelible marks through moments like the consecration of the 'Mother of the Great Steppe' icon and the holy service attended by over 10,000 people at Expo-2017 in Astana.
