Kazakhstan

The aim is to reach Kazakhstan to avoid ending up on the Ukrainian front. They come from all over Russia, especially Moscow and St. Petersburg. Many flee from the Crimea annexed in 2014. The "queue business" at border crossings.

Thousands of Russians flee the call to arms and take shelter in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Tensions with the local populations, mindful of the discriminatory treatment suffered by their own migrants in Russia. Many, however, show compassion for those who arrive.

Investigation into the ramifications of the Kazakh president's business dealings published. Deals dating back to the time of his predecessor Nazarbaev. The role of his son and a nephew. Astana worried about possible Russian requests for help in Ukraine.

Today's headlines: Bangkok removes Covid from the list of diseases that prevent entry; Hong Kong police arrest a citizen for playing the harmonica during Queen Elizabeth's funeral; Riyadh funds the construction of the first mosque in Cuba; the founder of the Gulagu humanitarian project denounces an assassination attempt by Russian intelligence.

The death of Gorbachev and Queen Elizabeth, the Pope in Central Asia, the war in the Caucasus and the Ukrainian counteroffensive, Xi Jinping's trip: all events that evoke the end of a era, to make way for a world as yet to be described.

He did so as he bid farewell to the Catholic community of Kazakhstan at the end of his apostolic journey. The icon is dedicated to the largest Marian shrine in Central Asia. A work inspired "by love for the mother". The Pontiff's blessing pledges to be missionaries of peace.

The two leaders meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The Russian leader fully backs China's Taiwan policy, and appreciates Beijing’s “balanced" position on Ukraine. For his part, the Chinese president spreads his wings in Central Asia, the Kremlin’s traditional turf.

In the soon-to-be re-renamed Astana, people from across Asia welcomed the pope of Rome like a brother who understands the weariness and burdens of life, in body and spirit.

The appeal of the final document of the Congress of Religious Leaders in Nur-Sultan signed by Francis at the conclusion of the trip. "Man is also the way for all the religions, look to his good more than to interests". To the Church of Kazakhstan: "Faith is not a lovely exhibition of artefacts from a distant past or a museum, but an ever-present event, an encounter with Christ There is a grace hidden in the little flock'.

Catholics from Central Asia and Russia travelled to Nur-Sultan to take part in the papal Mass. Inspired by the meeting between the world’s religious leaders, the pontiff calls for a Church open to God’s future, never brandishing “the cross of Christ against our brothers and sisters for whom he gave his life!” He ended the service, appealing for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the wake of the latest fighting.

Francis' words to leaders of all confessions gathered from 50 countries in Nur-Sultan: "Religion is not a problem, but part of the solution for a more harmonious life in society. We never justify violence". The vulnerable world bequeathed by the pandemic, peace, the fraternal acceptance of migrants, and the custody of creation mentioned as common challenges for people of faith today.

In his first address in Nur-Sultan, the pontiff appealed to world leaders. Like John Paul II after 9/11, his visit is meant to plead for “all those who cry out for peace”. For him, “what is needed is understanding, patience and dialogue with all.” Replying to a reporter’s question, he says he is “ready to go to China.”