The Inspiring Legacy of Pope Francis in Central Asia
Welcome to our blog! Today, we are diving into the impactful legacy of Pope Francis in Central Asia, as remembered by Bishop José Luis Mumbiela Sierra, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Central Asia.
During an interview with Vatican News, Bishop Mumbiela Sierra fondly recalled Pope Francis for his ability to bring God’s love to those least expecting it. He described the Pope’s visits to Central Asia as “a sort of living Gospel,” where many people were introduced to Catholicism for the first time.
As the newly elected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Central Asia, Bishop Mumbiela Sierra has been leading Bishops and Church delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Afghanistan. This diverse group of leaders came together to elect Bishop Mumbiela as their first president on 2 May 2022, just months before Pope Francis made an Apostolic Journey to the region in September 2022.
A Living Gospel in Central Asia
Bishop Mumbiela Sierra highlighted Pope Francis’ deep sensitivity to those on the margins of society, both geographically and in terms of public attention. The Pope’s visits to countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia were not just diplomatic gestures but acts of love and hope towards small Catholic communities in Central Asia.
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ teachings, Bishop Mumbiela emphasized the importance of humility and service in the Church. He shared how the Pope’s words resonated with the small Catholic communities in Central Asia, reminding them that their mission is to be salt and light in their smallness.
Spreading Hope in Unexpected Places
Through Pope Francis’ visit to Kazakhstan, the entire nation was touched by his message of peace and dialogue. Many people heard about the Catholic Church for the first time, experiencing the love of God through the Pope’s words and actions.
As Bishop Mumbiela Sierra reflected on Pope Francis’ legacy, he expressed gratitude for the Pope’s gift to the Church and the world. The Pope’s life and preaching continue to inspire us to bring hope where it is least expected, to go to the forgotten and be a light in the darkness.
Join us in honoring the inspiring legacy of Pope Francis in Central Asia, a legacy of love, humility, and service to others.
