Cardinal Marengo Joins Interreligious Meeting in Assisi
The Apostolic Prefect of Ulan Bator met with the abbot of Gandantegchinlen Monastery to discuss cultural and religious ties.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Buddhism
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Cardinal Giorgio Marengo participated in an international panel in Assisi, Italy, alongside the abbot of Gandantegchinlen Monastery. The meeting focused on fostering dialogue between different faith traditions.
Why it matters
The engagement seeks to deepen mutual understanding of local cultural and religious dimensions. This cooperation follows significant efforts by the Church to build bridges within the Mongolian region.
The collaboration marks 40 years since the inception of the historic Assisi prayer for peace. Cardinal Marengo recently opened the Centre for the Study of Mongolian Culture at the Ulan Bator Cathedral.
The players
Cardinal Giorgio Marengo
He serves as the Apostolic Prefect of Ulan Bator and has been active in fostering religious and cultural dialogue in Mongolia.
Pope Francis
The head of the Catholic Church who visited Mongolia in 2023 to promote interreligious harmony.
Community of Sant'Egidio
A Catholic lay association known for organizing international meetings dedicated to peace and interreligious dialogue.
John Paul II
The former Pope who first established the tradition of interreligious prayer meetings in Assisi in 1986.
The details
Cardinal Marengo, the Apostolic Prefect of Ulan Bator, joined the abbot of Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the highest authority in Mongolian Buddhism, for an international panel organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio. This event aligns with the Vatican's recent focus on the region, which included a formal visit by Pope Francis in 2023.
Timeline
1986: Pope John Paul II initiated the historic prayer for peace in Assisi.
September 3, 2023: Pope Francis held an ecumenical and interreligious meeting in Mongolia.
October 26, 2026: Cardinal Marengo received an audience from Pope Leo XIV.
October 27, 2026: Cardinal Marengo participated in the interreligious meeting in Assisi.
Culture Shift
This meeting follows the pattern set by the 1986 Assisi prayer for peace, reflecting a broader trend of institutionalized interfaith cooperation. It marks an ongoing shift toward integrating diverse local cultural studies into global religious frameworks.
The opening of the Centre for the Study of Mongolian Culture provides new educational resources for those interested in regional religious history. Residents of Ulan Bator can access these new facilities at the cathedral complex for academic and cultural study.
The takeaway
Building strong relationships with local religious authorities can facilitate deeper cross-cultural understanding. Engaging in structured dialogue helps organizations better integrate into the communities they serve.
Further reading
Learn more about modern interfaith relations in the Buddhism section.
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