Pope Francis places emphasis on Kazakhstan’s contribution to interfaith harmony

Pope Francis places emphasis on Kazakhstan’s contribution to interfaith harmony

The head of the Roman Catholic Church praised the political and economic reforms of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to build a ‘New Kazakhstan’ and the upcoming referendum on amendments and additions to the country’s Constitution. This was stated by Pope Francis during a meeting with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi. The pope noted that Kazakhstan is a reliable partner of the Vatican in Central Asia. During the talks, the parties discussed the agenda of the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which will take place in September in Nur-Sultan. Tleuberdi also held talks with Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin and President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot. On behalf of President Tokayev, Tleuberdi awarded Ayuso Guixot with the Order Dostyk of the 2nd degree for a significant contribution to the development of interfaith dialogue and promotion of the ideas of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

 

Translation by Saniya Sakenova

Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova