Today, the Vatican released the logo, motto, and program for Pope Francis’ upcoming apostolic journey to Mongolia. The Holy Father will visit the Asian country, which borders Russia and China, from August 31st to September 4th, 2023.

During his visit, Pope Francis will become the first pontiff to set foot in Mongolia, a nation with a population of over 3 million, of which only 1,500 are Catholics. This trip demonstrates the Pope’s desire to visit countries with minority Catholic populations and bring them his closeness and that of the entire Church.

The Pontiff will spend four days in the country, from Thursday, August 31st, to Monday, September 4th, before returning to Rome. The Holy See Press Office has provided details regarding the logo and motto for the Pope’s 43rd apostolic journey.

The Logo:

The logo prominently features the map of Mongolia painted with the country’s national flag colors of red and blue. Inside the map is a traditional Mongolian dwelling called a ger, which emits a trail of yellow smoke, symbolizing the Vatican. Adjacent to the ger is a cross, and between these elements are two vertical inscriptions in the traditional Mongolian language, repeating the motto: “Hoping Together.”

The Motto:

The chosen motto, “Hoping Together,” was selected to emphasize the dual significance of the Holy Father’s apostolic journey to Mongolia. It represents both a state visit and a pastoral visit. The motto aims to underscore the importance of bilateral collaboration between the Holy See and Mongolia, highlighting that hope is a virtue shared not only by Christians but also by non-Christian circles.

The Program:

The Pope’s journey begins on Thursday, August 31st, when he departs from Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport at 6:30 PM local time. He will arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 1st, where the official welcome ceremony will take place.

On Saturday, September 2nd, at 9:00 AM, the Welcome Ceremony will be held at Sukhbaatar Square. Later, at 9:30 AM, the Holy Father will visit the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, at the Government Palace. At 10:20 AM, he will meet with authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps at the Ikh Mongol Hall in the Government Palace, where he will deliver his first speech.

Following these meetings, the Pope will meet with the President of the Great Hural of State, Gombojav Zandanshatar, at the Mongolian Parliament, and then with the Prime Minister, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, at 11:00 AM and 11:10 AM, respectively.

At 4:00 PM, Pope Francis will have an encounter with bishops, priests, missionaries, consecrated men and women, and pastoral agents at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, where he will deliver his second speech.

On Sunday, September 3rd, at 10:00 AM, the Pontiff will participate in an ecumenical and interreligious meeting at the Hun Theatre, delivering a message to the attendees. At 4:00 PM, he will celebrate Mass at the Steppe Arena, a stadium, and deliver his homily.

On Monday, September 4th, at 9:30 AM, Pope Francis will meet with charity workers and inaugurate the House of Mercy, followed by a speech. The farewell ceremony will then take place at Chinggis Khaan International Airport at 11:30 AM, with departure scheduled for around 12:00 PM. The Pope is expected to arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport at approximately 5:20 PM.

The official website for the apostolic journey is currently under construction and can be accessed at https://popeinmong….

Pope Francis’ visit to Mongolia holds great significance as he becomes the first pontiff to visit the country. With a small Catholic community in Mongolia, his presence symbolizes hope and encouragement for the people of God, while the local Church, despite its small size and marginality, offers a sign of hope for the universal Church.

The Pope’s journey, with its motto of “Hoping Together,” reflects the collaborative efforts between the Holy See and Mongolia, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations. It underscores the unique role that hope plays in both Christian and non-Christian environments, uniting people in a shared sense of optimism.

As preparations continue for this historic visit, the world awaits the Holy Father’s arrival in Mongolia, eager to witness the impact of his pastoral and state visit and the message of hope he brings to the people of this Asian nation.