astana 1

On the flight back to Rome, on Thursday...

Pope Francis answered questions from journalists... 

who accompanied him to Kazakhstan.

//

Zhanat Akhmetova, Khabar Agency (Kazakh):

"Good day, Holy Father. Thank you very much for your visit to Kazakhstan. What is the result of your visit, to the origins of our people, what inspired you?"

For me it was also a surprise, because of Central Asia - except for Borodin's music – I truly knew nothing. It was a surprise to find representatives of these nations. And also Kazakhstan was really a surprise, because I didn't expect it to be like that. I knew that it was a country, a city, which has developed well, in an intelligent manner. Yet, thirty years since independence to find such a development, I did not expect it.

Also, it is such a large country, with nineteen million people – unbelievable. Very disciplined, and beautiful. With so much beauty: the architecture of the city is well-balanced, well-arranged. A modern city, a city I would perhaps say "of the future."

That's what impressed me so much: the desire to move forward not only in industry, in economic and material development, but also in cultural development. It was a surprise I did not expect. 

Then, the Congress... 

[v/Leiders v/Wereld- & Traditionele Religies]...

was a very important event !

It is in its seventh edition ! 

This means it's a country with foresight, bringing into dialogue those who are usually discarded [weggegooid]. Because there is a progressive perception of the world for which religious values are the first thing to be discarded. 

It is a country that offers the world such a proposal – already seven times now, it is wonderful! If there is time, I will come back to this interfaith meeting. You can be proud of the country and the homeland you have.

[bron]