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Russia’s war in Ukraine the backdrop to pope’s Kazakh visit

Pope Francis smiles with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the end of a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, right, claps his hands to Pope Francis at the end of a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis meets Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis greets the journalists onboard the papal plane on the occasion of his three-day pastoral visit to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-day visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (Filippi Monteforte, Pool via AP) Pope Francis greets the journalists onboard the papal plane on the occasion of his three-day pastoral visit to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-day visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (Filippi Monteforte, Pool via AP) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends at the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis greets the journalists onboard the papal plane on the occasion of his three-day pastoral visit to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-day visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (Filippi Monteforte, Pool via AP) Pope Francis arrives with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, right, talks to Pope Francis during a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, right, is greeted by Pope Francis at the end of his speech during a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, right, claps his hands to Pope Francis at the end of his speech during a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis delivers his speech during a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis is received by an honor guard as he arrives at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, right, talks to Pope Francis during a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, right, greets Pope Francis as he arrives at a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis leaves with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the end of the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) A view of the central street toward the Presidential Palace decorated by China's, Vatican's and Kazakhstan's flags in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis is going to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic on Tuesday to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis leaves with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the end of the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) A view of the central street toward the Presidential Palace decorated by China's, Vatican's and Kazakhstan's flags in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis is going to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic on Tuesday to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis attends with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace Ak Orda, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) A view of the central street toward the Presidential Palace decorated by China's, Vatican's and Kazakhstan's flags in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis is going to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic on Tuesday to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis, left, meets the Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he arrives at Our-Sultan's International airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis begins a 3-days visit to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis meets with members of the Italian Industrialists Association during an audience in the Paul VI Hall at The Vatican, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) A view of the central street toward the Presidential Palace decorated by China's, Vatican's and Kazakhstan's flags in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis is going to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic on Tuesday to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis meets with members of the Italian Industrialists Association during an audience in the Paul VI Hall at The Vatican, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) A view of the central street toward the Presidential Palace decorated by China's, Vatican's and Kazakhstan's flags in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis is going to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic on Tuesday to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis meets with members of the Italian Industrialists Association during an audience in the Paul VI Hall at The Vatican, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) A view of the central street toward the Presidential Palace decorated by China's, Vatican's and Kazakhstan's flags in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Pope Francis is going to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic on Tuesday to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis arrives at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport in Fiumicino to start his three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) Pope Francis leaves after an audience with the Italian Industrialists Association in the Paul VI Hall at The Vatican, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Municipal workers prepare the square for a Holy Mass with Pope Francis' attending in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. Pope Francis is going to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic on Tuesday to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) A night view of the capital Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, with the Presidential Palace seen in the center, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. Pope Francis is going to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic on Tuesday to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) A night view of the capital Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, with the Presidential Palace seen in the center, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. Pope Francis is going to the majority-Muslim former Soviet republic on Tuesday to minister to its tiny Catholic community and participate in a Kazakh-sponsored conference of world religious leaders. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) Pope Francis greets Italian Industrialists Association President Carlo Bonomi during an audience in the Paul VI Hall at The Vatican, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Russia’s war in Ukraine the backdrop to pope’s Kazakh visit