Russian commentators are trying to portray the commissioning of the 220 kW Zes-Oyu substation as a sort of ‘surrender’ by Ulaanbaatar to Beijing. In reality, it is a pragmatic step that reduces the risk of emergency shutdowns in industrial regions and gives the country some room for manoeuvre in its dealings with Moscow.
Almost a third of the missionaries present in the small Catholic community that will welcome Pope Francis in a few days are originally from South Korea. From the educational service of the nuns of Saint Paul de Chartres to the fidei donum priests of the diocese of Daejeon which, following the decision of its former ordinary bishop Lazzaro You Heung-sik has been sending fifth year summer seminarians to Mongolia for years. The life given by Fr. Kim Stephano Seong Hyeon in memory of Fr. Peter Sanjajav, the second indigenous priest.
Today's news: Three Christians seized by soldiers in Myanmar’s Chin State are dead; a pastor taken with them escaped. In Seongnam, South Korea, a young man drives a car into people and stabs passers-by, injuring 14 people. Mongolia wants greater cooperation with the US in rare earth mining. Afghanistan and Pakistan accuse each other of poor border controls. Politically motivated executions increase in Iran. Russia’s Baltic fleet began Ocean Shield 2023 naval drill.
Today's news: One Palestinian dead and four injured in an Israeli raid on Nablus; A shooting rocks New Zealand just hours before the start of the women's soccer world cup; UN warns of increasingly harsh winters in Mongolia, nomadic shepherds risk socio-economic collapse; Card. Zuppi's mission to Washington for peace in Ukraine.
The account of an Indian Salesian missionary ministering among the just 1,500 Mongolian Catholics who will welcome the pontiff from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. "Our people feel privileged, honored and blessed by this gift. Let us pray that it will bring steps forward, facilitating the service that the Church offers to all in education and charity."
The Vatican Press Office today released the official programme for the pontiff's visit (31 August-4 September). The welcome ceremony will be held in front of the Genghis Khan monument. Mass will be held at the local hockey arena. During the visit, Francis will open the House of Mercy for the poor, a facility promoted by the country’s small Church.
After ten years (and old grudges), the foreign ministers of the two countries have met again to lay the foundations for eocnomic cooperation. Alongside trade exchanges, programmes for direct air routes and the abolition of entry visas are also planned.
A fidei donum from the Diocese of Daejeon, he died suddenly today at the age of 55 after serving Mongolia’s small Catholic community for the past 20 years. Cardinal Marengo appointed him as the apostolic prefecture’s vicar general. He lived for some years in the steppes among nomadic shepherds. A few days ago he talked to AsiaNews about the challenges of his mission today among the young people of the capital.
The East Asian country is increasingly vulnerable to land degradation. According to government data, 76 per cent of the country's territory is affected. One of the factors is mining, which is growing to meet the demands for raw materials needed in the environmental transition. The UN Conference will be an opportunity to raise the issue of sustainability.
Russia’s leader highlights the building of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline by 2030, but China keeps it out of the final declaration. While willing to buy more Russian gas at discounted prices, Beijing also wants to keep its traditional suppliers. The Chinese are already in talks with the Turkmens for another pipeline.
Mongolia inked several deals with South Korea to develop Mongolia’s important copper and rare earth deposits, as an alternative to China’s. For Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene, his country can be a “big player” in this sector.
Francis announced possible trip during a press conference on his return from South Sudan, specifying that "it is not yet definite, but possible". The visit to the country's 1400 Catholics would take place significantly just a few days before the start of the Synod. On other visits: 'India will be next year'.
Christmas in Ulan Bator, described by Card. Giorgio Marengo - chosen by Pope Francis in the last consistory. The prelate leads a Church that was born just 30 years ago in the steppe and counts a total of 1,400 faithful. "The coal scandal has exasperated people at an already difficult time. Christmas wish from Mongolia: to discover that this Child is born to take ever deeper roots among us as well."
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