Pope Francis will travel to Kazakhstan to participate in the World Religions Conference from September 13-15, where he will meet with leaders of the world's largest religions to promote peace among among different religious groups.
BP. JOSÉ LUIS MUMBIELA
President, Central Asian Bishops' Conference
The principles of peaceful coexistence between different religions and different ethnicities, and cultures we can say. They see that as their own specific vocation which I think is especially stressed given the world we live in.
The bishop of Almaty, Kazakhstan José Luis Mumbiela, says the Pope's voice will be an important contribution to the conference of the leaders of the world's largest religions particularly during this time of conflict.
BP. JOSÉ LUIS MUMBIELA
President, Central Asian Bishops' Conference
From a specific geographic point that is close to Russia, China, Ukraine, in the heart of Eurasia, where right now the eyes of the world and televisions are at, to be able to send a message not only to Kazakhstan, but through a visit to Kazakhstan send it to the whole world.
The war in Ukraine has been divisive for Kazakhstan's population due to the country's history as a former Soviet state. Bishop Mumbiela says he hopes the Pope's visit, and possible meeting with Patriarch Kirill, will send a message of unity.
BP. JOSÉ LUIS MUMBIELA
President, Central Asian Bishops' Conference
You can see the painful division caused by the conflict, sometimes in small communities, with some people on one side and some on another, and its very painful. Because these are people who have always lived in peace and harmony, but external factors have led to internal divisions.
Kazakhstan is country marked by its religious diversity. 72% of the country is Muslim, and 26% of the population as Christian, the majority of whom identify as Russian Orthondox.
JM
