Visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Vatican

January 19, 2024 – President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the invitation of Pope Francis, made his first official visit to the Vatican, which confirmed the high level of Kazakh-Vatican relations, the interest of the parties in deepening bilateral cooperation, as well as the similarity of approaches to current geopolitical challenges.

During the audience, the Head of State expressed gratitude to the Pontiff for his tireless and selfless efforts for peace, ending conflicts and disagreements. He stressed that Kazakhstan values its long-standing partnership with the Holy See, based on friendship, harmony and mutual respect, thanking the Pope for the comprehensive support of Kazakhstan's international initiatives. The President noted that the apostolic visit of Pope Francis to Kazakhstan in 2022 and the Holy Mass in Astana for pilgrims from around the world undoubtedly became a truly historic event not only for the Catholic society, but also for the entire people of Kazakhstan.

In turn, Pope Francis expressed gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his contribution to ensuring peace and harmony, promoting the ideas of tolerance, harmony and brotherhood. The Pontiff noted that multiethnic and multi-confessional Kazakhstan, historically located at the crossroads of civilizations, has become home to the largest Catholic community in Central Asia.

During the talks with Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States and International Organizations Paul Richard Gallagher, issues of strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Holy See in the field of scientific research, medicine and religious activities, as well as interaction in a multilateral format were discussed.