Pope Francis in Kazakhstan

Pope Francis listens to a translation of his talk during a meeting with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians and pastoral workers at the cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Sept. 15, 2022. (CNS/Paul Haring)

Pope Francis became the second pontiff to visit Kazakhstan Sept. 13-15, 2022, and the conflict between Ukraine and Russia loomed large over Francis' visit to the country, which sits in Central Asia about 1,500 miles east of Ukraine and about 1,000 miles north of Afghanistan.

Pope Francis answers questions from journalists aboard his flight from Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, to Rome Sept. 15. (CNS/Paul Haring)

Pope Francis backs Ukraine's defense, says supplying arms 'may be morally acceptable'

By Christopher White

The pope on Sept. 15 backed Ukraine's right to defend itself from Russia's violent seven-month-long invasion. For the first time he appeared to lend his support to other countries that are supplying Ukrainians with arms.

Kazakhstan bishop says Pope Francis' participation in interfaith summit potentially 'dangerous'

By Christopher White

An outspoken bishop of Kazakhstan's Catholic community, long known for his criticisms of Pope Francis, said that the pope's participation here in a major summit of interfaith leaders could give the "dangerous" impression that the Catholic Church is part of a "supermarket of religions" rather than the "one true religion." 

Pope Francis to interfaith leaders in Kazakhstan: 'Authentic religiosity' necessary for peace

By Christopher White

Pope Francis on Sept. 14 warned against the perversion of religion by power and corruption, telling a global gathering of interfaith leaders that "authentic religiosity" was a necessary building block for world peace.

Pope Francis is welcomed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at the international airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Sept. 13, 2022. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

In Kazakhstan, Pope Francis condemns 'senseless and tragic' Ukraine war

By Christopher White

Pope Francis on Sept. 13 kicked off a three-day trip to a country that shares a 4,700-mile-long border with Russia by condemning the "senseless and tragic war" in Ukraine and pleading with world leaders to listen to those who "cry out for peace." 

Agricultural workers operate tractors in a field in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan April 6. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Kazakhstan Sept. 13-15 to attend the Congress of World and Traditional Religions. (CNS photo/Reuters/Pavel Mikheyev)

As Ukraine war rages on, Pope Francis heads to nearby Kazakhstan as peace messenger

By Christopher White

Pope Francis will become the second Catholic pontiff to visit Kazakhstan from Sept. 13-15. He is expected to bring a message of peace to the Central Asian nation, which is only about 1,500 miles east of Ukraine.

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