Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - September 2023 - Pope Francis began the 43rd apostolic journey of his pontificate in Mongolia under the motto "Hoping together". He is the first Pontiff to visit the country. The Pope was officially welcomed at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Batmunkh Battsetsege; by Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar; by a woman in traditional dress who offered the Holy Father a cup of dry yoghurt, a typical gift of the country; by the Guard of Honour. Also present was Bishop José Luis Mumbiela Sierra, Bishop of the Holy Trinity Diocese in Almaty, in his capacity as President of the Central Asian Bishops' Conference. After the welcoming ceremony, the greeting of the official delegations and a brief conversation with the Minister, Pope Francis moved on to the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, where he was welcomed by some children who presented him with flowers, and by a group of elderly and sick people.