Leo XIV receives Cardinal Marengo and the abbot of Gandan Monastery, the heart of Mongolian Buddhism

Pope Leo XIV received Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, the Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, and the Venerable D. Javzandorj, the abbot of Gandantegchinlen Monastery, in Vatican City on October 26, 2026. The delegation included Mongolia's Ambassador to Italy, Bulgan Dansran, Mongolia's Ambassador to the Holy See, Davaasuren Gerelmaa, and Professor Thomas Cattoi from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Cardinal Marengo stated that the meeting served to strengthen the relationship of dialogue and cooperation between the Catholic Church and the Buddhist community in Mongolia. During the visit, Abbot Javzandorj presented a painting to the Pope. The artwork was created by masters from the Gandan Monastery figurative art workshop under the direction of the abbot.