(Michel Chambon - The Diplomat) Pope Francis’ recent trip to Central Asia cemented the importance of Asian countries in the Vatican’s global strategy – and the pope’s willingness to engage with political issues. In mid-September, Pope Francis visited Kazakhstan to join the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. While most international attention focused on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, which occurred almost at the same time in neighboring Uzbekistan (September 15-16), the papal visit was no less geopolitical and significant. Pope Francis’ trip was part of broader and long-term diplomatic efforts of the Vatican toward Central Asia and beyond. (...)
