Mongolia

Located in the Ulaanbaatar Cathedral compound, the centre is meant to foster the inculturation of foreign missionaries and volunteers engaged in pastoral and social activities, deepening their knowledge of the local language, history, and society. The inauguration coincided with Pastoral Week, which saw the small Catholic community reflect on the theme, “Grace and Mission”.

From art to design, fashion to cuisine: during Italian Week, cultural institutions and retailers of Italian products working in Mongolia offered the opportunity to familiarise oneself with Italian tradition and innovation in the city's museums and public spaces.

The Mongolian government – which has always balanced between China and Russia, its two large neighbours – has in recent months entered into “strategic partnership” agreements with each of the major Western economies. Under the presidency of Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Mongolia is seeking to use international relations as a way out of economic and social stagnation.

Leo XIV received the president of Mongolia in audience. The Holy See and the Chinggis Khan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar plan to expand cooperation in archival research, joint studies, and conferences, the result of growing diplomatic ties boosted by Pope Francis's trip in 2023.

The Mongolian government is expanding international collaborations for projects aimed at protecting its delicate ecosystem and combating climate change. A series of initiatives have been launched with the German government, including a census of the country's forest areas and a laboratory for detecting heavy metals in the atmosphere. In August 2026, Mongolia will host the UN conference on combating desertification.

Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa's visit to New Delhi marks a new impetus in the strategic partnership between India and Mongolia. Indian Prime Minister Modi announced a training programme for Mongolian border forces, free e-visas, and deeper cultural exchanges based on Buddhism. The two countries are united by a shared desire to reduce trade and energy dependence on China and Russia.

Gazprom's CEO announced a “legally binding agreement" with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The pipeline, which Russia has been pushing for years, could supply up to 50 billion cubic metres of gas per year to China over 30 years. For Russia, it would be vital to offset lost markets in Europe. Chinese media have been silent on the details that have blocked the agreement so far.

Meetings and projects for new cooperation initiatives between Mongolia's political leadership and Central Asian heads of state and government are multiplying. In a network of relations that not only has political and commercial significance but also represents a form of historical and commercial reunification.

On the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Japanese emperor visited Ulan Bator for the first time to pay homage to the Japanese soldiers who died in Soviet POW camps. However, the atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army continue to cast a long shadow on Japan’s relations with Asian countries, which Tokyo is trying to woo in opposition to Beijing.

Gomboja Zandanshatar was elected after the resignation of Oyun-Erdene, who was ousted following strong youth protests in Ulan Bator. A former banker who studied in Russia and did research at Stanford, he will face serious economic challenges, including inflation, deficit and unemployment. ‘Budget review inevitable,’ he said. Tax reforms and restrictions on luxury consumption and high incomes have been announced.

The prime minister ousted by parliament had promoted a New Recovery Policy to make Mongolia independent from the mining industry interests. Despite economic growth and the reduction of public debt, his government has had to face growing criticism, triggered by the luxury flaunted by his son on social media. Now a new phase of political uncertainty has opened for the country nestled between Russia and China.

Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene has called for a vote of confidence in Parliament, after protesters accused him of promoting corruption and inequality. Instead, the PM blames instead mining oligarchs for the problems. Meanwhile, fears are growing that the powers of the country’s presidency might be enhanced ahead of the 2027 elections.