Photo by Reuters

Ulaanbaatar, April 22, 2025 /MONTSAME/. People around the world, who hold peace, loving kindness, and humility dear to their hearts, are saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Holy See, a beacon of compassion and moral uprightness. Pope Francis embodied empathy and understanding, inspiring millions, far beyond the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis will be remembered not only for his unwavering dedication to the vulnerable and the marginalized but also for his tireless efforts to foster interfaith dialogue, promote peace, and build bridges between communities. His legacy of kindness, inclusion, and global solidarity will continue to inspire generations to come.

In 2023, at the invitation of President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Head of the Holy See Pope Francis paid a State Visit to Mongolia. The State Visit was deeply meaningful to the Mongolian people, marked by mutual respect, spiritual connection, and heartfelt exchange.

Following the announcement of the passing of His Holiness, Mongolian leaders and religious figures expressed their heartfelt condolences:

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa: “On behalf of the people of Mongolia, I extend my deepest condolences to the Roman Curia and the citizens of the Vatican City on the passing of an esteemed man, His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Holy See.

The Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis to Mongolia in 2023 was an event of exceptional importance that will be etched forever in golden letters in the history of our bilateral relations. It promoted to the world the genuine spirit of the Mongolian people of upholding statehood traditions, honoring unity and harmony, embracing and consolidating peace, and respecting freedom of thought.

“Mongolia seems to have no end, and its inhabitants are few, a people few in number of a great culture. I think it will do us good to understand this silence, so vast, so big. It will help us understand what it means: not intellectually but with the senses. Mongolia is to be understood with the senses.”

The Apostolic Journey of His Holiness to our land of the Eternal Blue Sky took place in a heart-warming atmosphere filled with loving kindness, compassion, and genuine sincerity. The people of Mongolia will always remember the heartfelt words Your Holiness addressed to us.”

Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai: “We deeply mourn the loss of this noble and humble leader who referred to himself as a ‘Pilgrim of Hope’ and stood as a global advocate for peace, faith, and the core values of humanity.

Pope Francis, Head of the Holy See, was a close and cherished friend of the Mongolian people. His visit marked a historic milestone—the first-ever papal journey to Mongolia.

Seven hundred seventy-seven years after the envoy Giovanni da Pian del Carpine delivered a message from Pope Innocent IV to the Mongolian Empire, Pope Francis honored us with his presence, reaffirming a centuries-old connection.

May the noble legacy of His Holiness, who made invaluable contributions to global harmony, continue to inspire present and future generations.”

Gandantegchenlin Monastery, the Centre of Mongolian Buddhists: “On behalf of all Buddhist devotees in Mongolia, Gandantegchenlin Monastery extends its deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

His Holiness devoted his life to the pursuit of unity, compassion, and peace for all humankind. He played an essential role in fostering mutual respect and understanding between the world’s religious traditions.

His enduring legacy of wisdom, kindness, and spiritual leadership will remain in the hearts of the faithful around the world.”