Mongolia

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Stored: Mongolia


Country: Mongolia
Historic: No
Existence: –
Continent: Asia
Region: East Asia
Historical Region:
Area: 1564116 km²
Population: 3500000
Catholic Population: 1500
Catholic Percentage: 0.04%
Catholicism Status: Small minority religion, Buddhist majority
Official Languages: Mongolian
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Catholicism Introduced: 13th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 0
Dioceses: 1
Patron Saints: Our Lady of the Assumption
Predecessor States:
Successor States:




Mongolia is an East Asian nation, covering approximately 1,564,116 km² with a population of about 3.5 million as of 2025.[1] Its official language is Mongolian, and its economy relies on mining, agriculture, and tourism. The Catholic Church, with approximately 1,500 adherents (0.04% of the population), is a small minority religion, ranking fourth after Buddhism (53%), Islam (3%), and Shamanism (3%), introduced in the 13th century by early missionaries.[2] Catholicism has limited cultural influence, primarily among converts in Ulaanbaatar, with devotion to Our Lady of the Assumption.[3]

The Church, with one diocese and no ecclesiastical provinces, operates as the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, established in 2002. It faces challenges from a Buddhist-majority society and government oversight but enjoys relative religious freedom in a secular state.[4] The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ulaanbaatar is the primary worship site for Mongolia’s small Catholic community.[5]

Saints

Birthplace

Parameter received: Mongolia

Mongolia

No saints found with birth place matching Mongolia.

Death place

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Mongolia

No saints found with death place matching Mongolia.

Notable locations

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Mongolia

No saints found with Notable Address 1 matching Mongolia.


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Mongolia

No saints found with Notable Address 2 matching Mongolia.


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Mongolia

No saints found with Notable Address 3 matching Mongolia.


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Mongolia

No saints found with Notable Address 4 matching Mongolia.


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Mongolia

No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Mongolia.

Geography

Mongolia is located in East Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east, and west.[6] Its 1,564,116 km² includes the Gobi Desert, Mongolian Plateau, and Altai Mountains, with a continental climate. Major cities like Ulaanbaatar (the capital), Erdenet, and Darkhan host small Catholic communities, mostly urban converts. The vast, sparsely populated terrain limits Church outreach, with no major pilgrimage routes.[7]

History

Mongolia’s history includes the Mongol Empire (13th–14th centuries), Qing Dynasty rule (1636–1911), Soviet influence (1924–1992), and independence in 1992.[8] Catholicism was introduced in the 13th century by Franciscan missionaries during the Mongol Empire, with minimal impact.[9] The modern Church emerged post-1992, growing slowly under religious freedom but constrained by cultural preference for Buddhism and Shamanism.[10]

Predecessor states

Mongolia’s territory was part of the Mongol Empire, Xiongnu Empire, and various nomadic confederations.[11] The Qing Dynasty (1636–1911) and Bogd Khanate (1911–1924) directly preceded modern Mongolia.[12] Catholicism had a fleeting presence during the Mongol Empire, with no lasting communities until the 20th century.[13]

Successor states

Mongolia, independent since 1992, has no direct successor states, as it remains a unified nation.[14] The Catholic Church focuses on pastoral care and charity, operating within a secular framework with minimal societal influence.[15]

Demographics

Mongolia’s 3.5 million people include 0.04% Catholics (1,500), 53% Buddhists, 3% Muslims, 3% Shamanists, and 2% Christians (mostly Protestant).[16] Ethnic groups are Mongol (95%), Kazakh (4%), and others (1%). Catholicism is concentrated in Ulaanbaatar, primarily among urban converts and expatriates.[17]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Mongolia comprises one diocese, the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, with about 10 parishes, led by the prefect, Bishop Giorgio Marengo.[18] The Church operates small schools and charities, benefiting from religious freedom but limited by its small size.[19]

Structure

The Church has no ecclesiastical provinces, with one diocese.[20]

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 13th century by Franciscan missionaries, such as John of Plano Carpini, during the Mongol Empire.[21] Modern Catholicism began in 1992 with Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, establishing communities in Ulaanbaatar.[22]

Key historical events

The 1992 arrival of Catholic missionaries marked the Church’s modern presence.[23] The 2002 establishment of the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar formalized Church structure.[24] Pope Francis’s 2023 visit to Ulaanbaatar highlighted the Church’s role.[25]

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 0.04% adherence, is a small minority religion in a secular state under the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom.[26] The Church operates freely but has limited influence due to its small size and Buddhist dominance.[27]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Our Lady of the Assumption (August 15) with Masses in Ulaanbaatar.[28] Local practices incorporate Mongolian hospitality in small liturgies.[29]

Education and charity

The Church runs three schools and several charitable programs in Ulaanbaatar.[30] Caritas Mongolia supports street children and the poor, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[31]

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is evident in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ulaanbaatar, built in 2003 with yurt-inspired design.[32] Simple parish churches reflect modest aesthetics.[33]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ulaanbaatar is the main worship site, with small-scale pilgrimages.[34] No major shrines exist due to the Church’s small size.[35]

Historical churches

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ulaanbaatar, built in 2003, is the primary Catholic structure.[36] No historical churches exist due to the Church’s recent establishment.[37]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of the Assumption, celebrated on August 15, is Mongolia’s patroness.[38]

Associated saints and blesseds

No canonized saints or blesseds are directly tied to Mongolia due to the Church’s limited history.[39] Early missionaries like John of Plano Carpini (13th century) are noted for their efforts.[40]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces challenges from a small community size, cultural preference for Buddhism, and limited resources.[41] Government oversight requires registration, countered by education and interfaith dialogue.[42]

Social and political influence

The Church influences education and charity, guided by Catholic Social Teaching.[43] It has no political influence but promotes social welfare through small-scale aid programs.[44]

References

  1. ↑ "Mongolia". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/mongolia/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Mongolia". Wikipedia. 2024-06-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Mongolia. 
  3. ↑ "Catholicism in Mongolia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/mongolia. 
  4. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Mongolia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/MN.htm. 
  5. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-09-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-09/mongolia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  6. ↑ "Mongolia". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/mongolia/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholicism in Mongolia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/mongolia. 
  8. ↑ "Mongolia". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Mongolia. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Mongolia". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10479a.htm. 
  10. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/mongolia-catholic-church. 
  11. ↑ "History of Mongolia". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Mongolia/History. 
  12. ↑ "Qing Dynasty". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/qing-dynasty. 
  13. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/mongolia-catholic-church. 
  14. ↑ "Mongolia". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Mongolia. 
  15. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-09-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-09/mongolia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  16. ↑ "Religion in Mongolia". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-mongolia/. 
  17. ↑ "Catholicism in Mongolia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/mongolia. 
  18. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Mongolia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/MN.htm. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Education in Mongolia". Catholic News Agency. 2023-01-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25090/catholic-schools-mongolia. 
  20. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Mongolia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/MN.htm. 
  21. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Mongolia". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10479a.htm. 
  22. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/mongolia-catholic-church. 
  23. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-09-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-09/mongolia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  24. ↑ "Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/duula.html. 
  25. ↑ "Pope Francis in Mongolia". Vatican. 2023-08-31. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/travels/2023/outside/documents/mongolia-2023.html. 
  26. ↑ "Religion in Mongolia". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-mongolia/. 
  27. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-09-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-09/mongolia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  28. ↑ "Catholicism in Mongolia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/mongolia. 
  29. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-09-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-09/mongolia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  30. ↑ "Catholic Education in Mongolia". Catholic News Agency. 2023-01-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25090/catholic-schools-mongolia. 
  31. ↑ "Caritas Mongolia". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/asia/mongolia/. 
  32. ↑ "Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Saints-Peter-and-Paul-Ulaanbaatar. 
  33. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/mongolia-catholic-church. 
  34. ↑ "Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/asia/1257.htm. 
  35. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-09-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-09/mongolia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  36. ↑ "Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Saints-Peter-and-Paul-Ulaanbaatar. 
  37. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/mongolia-catholic-church. 
  38. ↑ "Catholicism in Mongolia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/mongolia. 
  39. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/mongolia-catholic-church. 
  40. ↑ "John of Plano Carpini". Vatican. 2000-01-01. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_2000_en.html. 
  41. ↑ "Mongolia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-09-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-09/mongolia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  42. ↑ "Catholic Youth in Mongolia". Catholic News Agency. 2023-02-05. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25095/catholic-youth-mongolia. 
  43. ↑ "Caritas Mongolia". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/asia/mongolia/. 
  44. ↑ "Catholicism in Mongolia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/mongolia. 

External links

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