Discovering the Land of the Silk Road: The Vatican’s Meeting with Sadyr Zhaparov
By: Vatican News
Published on:
A country nestled amidst the Tien Shan mountains, reminiscent of the Silk Road. Today, a token from Kyrgyzstan found its way to the Vatican, as President Sadyr Zhaparov presented gifts to the Pope during their morning audience.
A Call for Urgent Peace
Pope Francis and Zhaparov engaged in a 20-minute meeting early in the day before the president continued his visit with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher in the Secretariat of State. The Vatican Press Office reported that the discussions highlighted the positive relations between the Holy See and Kyrgyzstan, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, culture, and the local Church’s life. Views were exchanged on current international affairs, emphasizing the importance of immediate action for peace promotion.
The Exchange of Gifts
Aside from intricately crafted boxes containing ecologically produced mountain honey, President Zhaparov gifted the Pope a colorful wool tapestry of St. Peter’s Basilica and an artisanal silver tea set made from local mines. In return, Pope Francis presented a terracotta sculpture titled “Love and Tenderness,” a photographic book on the Apostolic Palace, and a message for peace for the current year.
