The Roman Catholic Church in Contemporary Mongolia: Between Proselytism and International Politics

The article examines the strategy of the Holy See’s foreign policy presence through the case of the Catholic mission in Mongolia. The study spans a historical retrospective — from the diplomatic initiatives of the 13th century to the establishment of the Apostolic Prefecture in the early 21st century — and analyzes how international rivalry among major powers has influenced the region’s religious policy. Particular attention is given to Pope Francis’ apostolic visit in 2023, aimed at strengthening the Vatican’s moral authority and expanding its presence in Asia. The article demonstrates how the Roman Catholic Church adapts to Mongolia’s religious and cultural context by engaging in dialogue with the Buddhist majority and occupying key social niches. It also considers the specifics of Mongolia’s discourse on “civilizational security”, which emphasizes the preservation of Buddhist identity as a foundation of national unity. In this light, the Holy See’s activities take on a delicately balanced character, combining missionary, humanitarian, and diplomatic objectives. Within the broader framework of intercivilizational interaction, Mongolia is viewed as a symbolic space where religious institutions act as mediators of transnational communication. A significant portion of the article focuses on mechanisms of historical reinterpretation: the figure of Genghis Khan, the concept of “Pax Mongolica”, and the legacy of 13th-century diplomacy are employed by the Holy See to legitimize a universalist agenda — centred on justice, ecological sustainability, and interfaith harmony. The article concludes that Catholicism in Mongolia plays not only a religious role but also a diplomatic one, serving as a tool for promoting the Vatican’s global initiatives amid contemporary geopolitical competition.

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