Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican after concluding his four-day visit to Mongolia. During his visit, the Holy Father celebrated Mass, met with the country’s faithful, and visited charitable organizations.

On his final day in Mongolia, Pope Francis commended volunteers for their dedication to Christ’s call to feed the hungry. He emphasized the importance of charity, noting that it requires professionalism but should not turn into a business endeavor.

This trip marked the first-ever visit by a Pope to Mongolia. While the country has just over 1,400 Catholics, Pope Francis stated that he came to visit Mongolia’s small Catholic community and the missionaries who have worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel in this remote nation.

Beyond the spiritual significance of the visit, the trip had broader geopolitical implications. Mongolia, situated between Russia and China, has raised the Vatican’s concerns about peace and religious freedom. Pope Francis addressed the importance of these issues in his speeches.

Catholics from various Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, South Korea, Hong Kong, and mainland China, traveled to Mongolia to witness the historic visit by the Pope.

During an in-flight press conference on his return to Rome, Pope Francis offered insights into the Vatican’s relations with China. He revealed the existence of a joint commission between the Vatican and the Chinese government responsible for appointing Catholic bishops in China. He also mentioned that the Vatican has engaged in academic exchanges with Chinese priests and professors.

Pope Francis expressed his desire for the upcoming Synod of Bishops to be a prayerful exercise in dialogue, emphasizing the importance of avoiding ideology and political discussions during the assembly.

Reporting from Rome Correspondent Courtney Mares for Catholic News Agency who was on the Papal Plane during Pope Francis’ Apostolic Trip to Mongolia.