Kazakhstan's Catholics prepare for Papal visit

Ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Kazakhstan, 13-15 September, ACN spoke with Bishop José Luis Mumbiela Sierra of the Diocese of the Holy Trinity and the president of the Bishops’ Conference of Central Asia about the upcoming visit.

By ACN Staff

Catholic clergy in Kazakhstan. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

At a press conference arranged by ACN, Bishop José Luis Mumbiela Sierra explained that the Catholic population of Kazakhstan is diverse. Kazakhstan is majority Muslim, about 70%, with Christians making up about 25% of the population, and only 1% of the people of Kazakhstan are Catholics. A large proportion of the Catholic population lives in the country’s north, where there is a Polish community. Koreans are also a major ethnic group in Kazakhstan’s Catholic population. This Korean population in Kazakhstan has its origins in Soviet-era deportations. There is also a population of Volga German Catholics in Kazakhstan who also have their roots in Soviet-era deportations. The bishop mentioned that the number of Catholics has been swelled to a degree by converts:

Opening of a Byzantine Catholic church in Kazakhstan. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

“There are also people from non-Christian populations who converted to Catholicism. It is like a river that keeps flowing, because people are attracted by the Church’s message. They are not attracted by the fact that we speak marvellous Russian, or because we have some sort of magical flute, no, they are led by their hearts, not because of our great virtues, but by the Grace of God.”

As indicated above, Kazakhstan was the destination for many of the victims of mass deportations in not only the Soviet era but also the Tsarist era before that too. At one point, there were 11 detention camps in Kazakhstan. The bishop was asked if he thinks the pope will visit any of these sites:

“When the Vatican asked us bishops to make suggestions for the programme of the Pope’s visit, one of them was to go to Karaganda and visit some of the sites of Soviet repression. However, the Pope’s health clearly doesn’t give him much leeway, he is very limited. The Government made some proposals, and the bishops made others, but we were told that the Pope had to keep his movement and meetings to a minimum. What we do know is that he will be meeting with some religious leaders.”

The bishop said he thinks the pope’s visit to the country will be important. Pope Saint John Paul II visited Kazakhstan 21 years ago, and this visit is still remembered. Kazakhstan has had a tough year, with violence at the beginning of the year. It is hoped that the pope’s visit will help to foster peace. Reflection is particularly important for Kazakhstan this year as the country marks 30 years of independence. The bishop said that in his experience, people, including non-Catholics, are looking forward to the pope’s visit. The visit will also allow the pope to continue talks with the Orthodox Churches. This is vital to Catholics in Kazakhstan, as most Christians in the country are Eastern Orthodox.