The state visit of President U.Khurelsukh to the Holy See, at the invitation of Pope Leo, has successfully concluded. During the visit, the president held an official meeting with Pope Leo and received a courtesy call from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See. Both sides agreed that the visit served as an important impetus for expanding and strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between Mongolia and the Holy See.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in history, culture, education, science, and humanitarian initiatives, while contributing to international efforts toward peace, sustainability, climate change mitigation, desertification prevention, and poverty reduction. As part of the visit, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Chinggis Khaan National Museum of Mongolia and the Vatican Apostolic Archives, facilitating scholarly access to centuries-old historical documents related to Mongolia. President U.Khurelsukh also paid tribute at the tomb of Pope Francis in St. Mary’s Basilica, honoring his legacy.
Cardinal Parolin recalled his participation in Pope Francis’s 2023 State Visit to Mongolia and expressed his commitment to furthering bilateral cooperation. President U.Khurelsukh also had an opportunity to congratulate Pope Leo on his recent election as the 267th Pope and discussed the growing friendly relations between the two countries.
The Holy See, a city-state within Rome covering 0.44 square kilometers with a population of approximately 900, maintains diplomatic relations with 183 countries and the European Union, and participates in 34 international organizations. Its unique economy is supported through investments, real estate, donations, publications, museums, and commemorative items.
Mongolia and the Holy See have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992, with a history of humanitarian cooperation including medical aid, disaster relief, and scholarships for Mongolian students. Notable humanitarian support includes the Holy See’s donation of medicine and funds in the 1990s, assistance after the 2000 zud, and scholarships enabling Mongolian students to study in the Philippines and Italy. In 2022, Giorgio Marengo, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, became the youngest cardinal in modern history.
