Pope Leo XIV receives Cardinal Marengo and Gandan Monastery abbot

Pope Leo XIV received Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, the Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, and the Venerable D. Javzandorj, the abbot of Gandantegchinlen Monastery, on Monday morning. The meeting included the Mongolian Ambassador to Italy, Bulgan Dansran, and the Mongolian Ambassador to the Holy See, Davaasuren Gerelmaa. Professor Thomas Cattoi from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas also accompanied the delegation.

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.