Kazakhstan announces Pope Francis to visit in September

Nur-Sultan, Apr 11 (EFE).- Kazakhstan announced Monday that Pope Francis is to visit the Central Asian country in September and to attend the VII World Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions to be held in Nur-Sultan.

The Kazakh presidency’s office said in a statement that the Pope confirmed his visit to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a videoconference.

The Akorda Palace said the pontiff told the Kazakh leader that he is looking forward to participating in the congress, as it promotes interreligious dialogue and unity to bring countries closer together, “which are very necessary for today’s world.”

The last papal visit to the country was in 2001 when John Paul II visited Kazakhstan and Armenia.

Tokayev said the congress, first held in 2003 and was an initiative of the country’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, is of “great importance.”

The event is to be held on September 14 and 15.

During the videoconference, the Pope and Tokayev discussed the prospects for strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Vatican, and issues promoting interreligious harmony. EFE

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