How Kazakhstan will remember Pope Francis

Tengrinews.kz – Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88, Kazakhstan remembers the pontiff not only as a global spiritual leader, but as a figure who left a lasting impression on the country during his historic visit.

Pope Francis visited Kazakhstan in September 2022 for the Seventh Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, marking one of his rare international trips in his later years. Despite ongoing health issues at the time, he described the journey as vital for promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and human solidarity.

During his visit, Pope Francis praised Kazakhstan as a 'place of encounter and dialogue' and commended its efforts to foster religious harmony in a diverse society. He thanked the people for their hospitality and expressed admiration for the country’s cultural and spiritual values.

One of the most memorable moments came when the pontiff quoted Kazakh poet Abai, stating, 'The beginning of humanity is love and justice'. He emphasized that sacred values should never be exploited for political gain and called on the world to invest in education, not weapons.

The Pope also reflected on Kazakhstan’s national instrument, the dombra, calling it a 'symbol of continuity in diversity'.

In a speech to civil society representatives, he noted how the two strings of the dombra represent the country’s ability to maintain harmony between contrasting forces - such as tradition and progress, or harsh winters and hot summers. President Tokayev later gifted the pontiff a dombra as a token of appreciation.

“Everyone now says the best ambassador of Kazakh culture and the dombra is the Pope himself,” Tokayev said at the time.

Pope Francis also spoke about Kazakhstan’s national flag, interpreting the golden eagle as a symbol of earthly power and the blue background as a sign of transcendence. He stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between politics and spirituality.

Throughout his apostolic visit, the pontiff met with President Tokayev, participated in interfaith dialogue, and held a public Mass attended by tens of thousands of believers in Astana. He later described Kazakhstan as a 'model of civilization and courage', praising the country’s commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

In 2024, Pope Francis once again showed solidarity with Kazakhstan, offering prayers for the victims of devastating floods in the country. That same year, President Tokayev paid an official visit to the Vatican, underscoring the strong diplomatic and spiritual ties between Kazakhstan and the Holy See.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death in 2025. He was the first pontiff from the Americas and leaves behind a legacy of humility, reform, and unwavering dedication to global peace.

As Kazakhstan mourns with the rest of the world, the memory of Pope Francis - his words, gestures, and spirit - will remain deeply cherished by many across the nation.

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