The Pope begins his “pilgrimage of peace” in Kazakhstan

H.E. Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev offers the welcoming ceremony

© Vatican Media

Official welcome at Nur-Sultan Airport

On his arrival at the International Airport of Nur-Sultan at 5.45 p.m. (1.45 p.m. Rome time), the Holy Father Francis is welcomed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev.
Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev. Two young people in traditional dress offered him flowers. Then, after the presentation of the Delegations and the Guard of Honour, the President of the Republic accompanies the Holy Father to the VIP Lounge of the Airport where a brief meeting takes place.

At the end Pope Francis transfers by car to the Ak Orda Presidential Palace for the Welcome Ceremony in Kazakhstan.

Welcome Ceremony at the Ak Orda Presidential Palace

At 6.30 p.m. (2.30 p.m. Rome time), the Welcome Ceremony took place at the Ak Orda Presidential Palace.

On his arrival, the Holy Father is welcomed in the courtyard of the Palace by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev. Then, after the Guard of Honour, the performance of the hymns and the presentation of the respective Delegations, the Pope and the President of the Republic reached the East Hall of the Palace for their private meeting.


Courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Presidential Palace

At 6.45 p.m. (2.45 p.m. Rome time) the courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev took place.

After the official photo, the private meeting takes place. At the end, after leaving the Presidential Palace, the Holy Father Francis moved by car to the Qazaq Concert Hall for the meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps.

Meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps at the Qazaq Concert Hall

At 7:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. Rome time), the Holy Father Francis meets with the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps at the Qazaq Concert Hall Auditorium.

After the greeting of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev, Pope Francis delivered his address.
At the end of the meeting, after taking leave of the President of the Republic, the Holy Father moved by car to the Apostolic Nunciature of Kazakhstan.