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☆ United announced 13 new international routes and 3 'fifth freedom' flights to far-flung destinations
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-10 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

United Airlines announced 13 new routes across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The Chicago-based carrier on Thursday announced 13 new routes across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America starting in the summer of 2025. Mongolia adds to United's growing list of "fifth-freedom" routes from of Tokyo's Narita International Airport. Other new fifth-freedom routes include Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and the western Pacific country of Palau from Tokyo. The airline's Europe expansion goes beyond Greenland.

Persons: —, Patrick Quayle, Quayle Organizations: United Airlines, Service, America, Atlantic, Tokyo's, UN, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Newark Liberty International, Washington Dulles International, United, Ponta Delgada Locations: Asia, Europe, Africa, America, Nuuk, Greenland, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Guam, Chicago, Dakar, Senegal, Pacific, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Palau, Tokyo, Cebu, Philippines, UAE, Milan, New York, Dubai, Frankfurt, Germany, Singapore, United's Guam, Portugal, Italy, France, Spain, New Jersey, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Tenerife, Ponta, Mexico, Costa Rica

☆ United plans flights to Greenland, Mongolia and northern Spain in search for next 'it' destination
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-10 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

United airplanes are seen at the Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, Unitted States on July 16, 2024. United is planning to launch daily, nonstop service to Dakar, Senegal, from Washington Dulles International Airport on May 23. United has been beefing up service from Tokyo and will offer year-round nonstop flights to Koror, Palau, from there. "The more unique content, the more we differentiate ourselves from our competitors and the more people are going to spend on United," Quayle said. United is also planning to expand flying from the West Coast, but it didn't disclose any details on Thursday.

Persons: United, Patrick Quayle, United's, Quayle, " Quayle Organizations: Newark Liberty International Airport, United Airlines, United, Washington Dulles International Airport, Federal Aviation Administration Locations: Newark, Unitted States, Senegal, Mongolia, Greenland, Palau, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, United, Newark , New Jersey, Palermo, Sicily, Faro, Portugal's Algarve, Madeira, Bilbao, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Nuuk, Madrid, U.S, Corpus Christi , Texas, Cape Town , South Africa, Dakar, Narita, Ulaanbaatar, Koror, Bergen, Norway, West Coast

☆ Road tripping through Russia: American woman shares challenges of solo trip from Georgia to Mongolia
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Essay Breanna Wilson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

And I’d be doing it solo, an American female, in a vintage Land Cruiser that was anything but inconspicuous. Planning a 7,000-kilometer road tripRussian visa in hand, it was time to start route planning, make my final vehicle preparations, and pack. With a car my size, bearing Georgian plates, driven by an American who doesn’t speak any Russian, I was increasingly nervous. An American girl, traveling alone, saying she’s moving to Mongolia, driving a car with Georgian plates. I had a summer of overlanding and adventuring across Mongolia, and a new life in Ulaanbaatar, to get underway.

Persons: Breanna Wilson, Andrey Orekhov, Evan Gershkovich, Russia – Organizations: Mongolia CNN, Cruiser, US State Department, Google, Astana, Russia, Toyota Top Motors Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Tbilisi , Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, American, Russian, Tbilisi, Tbllisi, Georgia, Georgian, Kazbegi, Chechnya, Dagestan, Mariupol, Donetsk, Baku, Alat, Europe, Japan, Kuryk, Altai, Bayan, Ölgii, Astana, Semey, Soviet Union, Russia's, Siberia, –, Tsagaannuur, Mongolia’s, @breannajwilson

☆ Mongolia’s Paris 2024 team outfits: ‘They just won the Olympics’
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-16 | by ( Oscar Holland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The internet has chosen its new favorite national uniform at the forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympics: Mongolia’s. Female athletes’ outfits come with ceremonial earrings and embroidered bags, while male flag-bearers will wear an archery hat, belt and traditional Mongolian boots. The outfits took an average of 20 hours each to craft, according to the Mongolian National Olympic Committee. The outfits took an average of 20 hours each to craft, according to the Mongolian National Olympic Committee. This year, the country is sending more than 30 athletes to the Paris Olympics, which kick off on July 26.

Persons: Ralph Lauren, Michel, Amazonka, Michel Amazonka, ”, Ryan Yip, Bee Jamieson, everything’s, geoff0w_, Michel Choigaalaa, Amazonka Choigaalaa, Ben Sherman Organizations: CNN, Eiffel, Mongolian National Olympic Committee, Beijing, Mongolian National Olympic, Paris Olympics, USA Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Paris, Mongolian, Tokyo, Michel Amazonka Mongolia, Beijing, Great Britain

☆ Want to Play in Asia’s Champions League? It Will Cost You.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Rory Smith | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

At least nobody can accuse Asia’s soccer authorities of failing to sweat the small stuff. can still find the time to dictate precisely which water bottles, with which labels, fans should be allowed to carry into stadiums. That kind of attention to detail should reassure you that soccer’s future — from Beirut to Beijing, and Ulaanbaatar to Hobart — is in safe hands. Unfortunately, that is not quite the picture that emerges from a report, commissioned by soccer’s global players’ union, FIFPro, assessing the benefits and shortcomings of Asia’s most prestigious club competition, the Asian Champions League. Instead, the report documents a tournament that acts as an almost perfect microcosm of soccer’s general direction across the globe.

Persons: Hobart — Organizations: Asian Football Confederation, ’, Asian Champions League Locations: —, Beirut, Beijing, Ulaanbaatar, Hobart

☆ Three Firefighters Among Six Killed in Gas Truck Explosion in Mongolia - Officials
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

(Reuters) - At least six people were killed including three firefighters after a truck carrying 60 tons of liquefied natural gas exploded in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday, according to Mongolia's emergency officials. At least 11 people were injured in the fire near the Dunjingarav market, Mongolia's Emergency Management Office said in a post on Facebook. More than 600 firefighters 100 vehicles were involved in putting the fire out, which was eventually extinguished. According to local online news outlets, the fire quickly engulfed several nearby buildings, including a residential building. "Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected and we wish a fast recovery to those injured in this tragic event."

Persons: Fiona Blyth, Lidia Kelly, Michael Perry Organizations: Reuters, Emergency Management, Facebook, 63rd, Unit, National Fire Service Locations: Mongolian, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Melbourne

☆ Mazaalai International Snow and Ice Festival: Mongolia event sets Guinness World Record
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Karla Cripps | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The inaugural Mazaalai International Snow and Ice Festival, which kicked off on January 14, takes place till January 28 at Sky Resort, a golf and ski resort on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. A further 52 ice Mazaalai statues were erected at the festival to represent the 52 Gobi bears that remain in the wild. Ministry of Culture/Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Government of MongoliaThere’s also a 56.4-meter-long snow and ice sculpture with a large ice skating rink. On January 17, the festival hosted the Mazaalai International Ice Competition, featuring 24 artists from six countries including China, Thailand, France, Russia, the US and Mongolia. Culture Minister Chinbat said the new Mazaalai International Snow and Ice Festival is part of the government’s goal to welcome one million international tourists per year to Mongolia.

Persons: CNN —, Nomin Chinbat, whooshing, Mongolia There’s, Chinbat Organizations: CNN, Sky, Guinness, of Culture, Ministry of Environment, Tourism, Ice, Culture, World Bank Locations: Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Government, China, Thailand, France, Russia, United States

☆ Three Camel Lodge gives travelers rare opportunity to experience the Gobi, Mongolia’s famed desert
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Jane Sit | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

How the Three Camel Lodge was bornThe Three Camel Lodge was the brainchild of 68-year-old Mongolian-American businessman Jalsa Urubshurow. In 2002, Jalsa decided to build something more permanent in the Gobi, and the Three Camel Lodge was born. Despite being in the desert, it’s one of just a few regions in the Mongolian Gobi that’s covered in mounds of sand. Considered a pioneer in sustainable tourism, the Three Camel Lodge today follows three main pillars: sustainable stewardship, preservation and community empowerment. Getting thereGetting to and from the Three Camel Lodge isn’t for the travel-weary – did we mention it’s remote?

Persons: Khan, Mongolia CNN —, Jalsa Urubshurow, ”, Jalsa, “ I’ve, “, Roy Andrews, Buyandelger, Andrews ’, Moltsog Els, –, we’ve Organizations: CNN, Mongolia CNN, Mongolian, ”, herder, Nomadic Expeditions, American Museum of, Expeditions, CNN Travel, birdlife, Investment, Dalanzadgad Locations: Khan khongor, Mongolia, Khan konghor, Central Asia, gers, Kalmykia, Russia, New Jersey, Bayanzag, Ulaanbaatar

☆ An Epic Pilgrimage Across Three Great Religions
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Aatish Taseer | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +111 min

Before there was tourism, there was pilgrimage: a trip of endurance, hardship and ecstasy in celebration of one’s faith. On an epic pilgrimage of his own, one writer ventures into the heart of three great religions in Bolivia, Mongolia and Iraq. The Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala the day after Ashura. “They’re poor, but they come thousands of kilometers for the love of Imam Hussein.” PILGRIMAGE WAS A great equalizer. “Labaik ya Hussein,” came the solemn chorus of surrounding voices.

Persons: Eduardo Quintela Gonzáles, ” Quintela, JAN, “, ”, Quintela, Victor, Edith Turner, Chaucer, ferne, sondry londes, Vaishno Devi, Lyra Skinner, Lyra, Victoria Preston’s, —, Prophet Muhammad, Virgin Mary, Bath, Naipaul, Augustus, Ryan, garret, Virgin, Monica Machicao, Nicholas Casey, ” Monica, Casey, Evo Morales, sloughing, Columbus, Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, Monica, glitzy cholets, Peru —, Viracocha, it’s, Pablo Quisbert, Leandro Chitarroni, Eichmann, Father Chitarroni, Father Chitarroni’s, Conquistadores ”, Fernando Cervantes, Bernabé Cobo, Quisbert, Edgar Quispe, Tatiana Huayhua, Francisco Tito Yupanqui, Mary, Yupanqui’s, su, Yupanqui, Chitarroni, she’s, Friar Abelino Yeguaori, Friar Yeguaori, Friar Yeguaori’s, Irene, Juana, hajji, Waka, Aracely Alcón, Santiago, Alcón, ‘, don’t, ” Alcón, Tito Yupanqui, Uma Marka, Pachamama, haggard, Amaru Fiorilo Barrios, he’d, ” Fiorilo, Fiorilo, who’d, Valeria Alcón, Laureano Jose Quisbert, Elena Ticona Flores, Eduardo Quintela’s, Ensamble, pang, padre, consolations, Sincrético, El, Rodrigo Paz Pereira, Axel, amauta, strode, La, Aatish Taseer, Saint Helena —, Constantine I, La Paz, Orgilbaatar Tsolmon, Orgil, Genghis Khan, Edward Gibbon, ” Orgil, Araniko’s, Kublai Khan, Genghis Khan’s, Kubla Khan, Coleridge, Kublai, Stalin, sybarite, Khamar, Dalai Lama, Lama, Christopher Kaplonski, ger, I’d, banshtai tsai, Prim, Egi, Munkhdul, Gandantegchinlen, Haidav, herder, “ Um sain, boltugai, Danzanravjaa, Zanabazar’s, Erdene, Mandakhtsog Monkhbaatar, Monkhbaatar’s, Dalai Lamas, prostrated, He’d, Zuu, she’d, Santiago de, L.K, Advani, Emperor Babur, Ram, kar sevaks, Ayodhya, Narendra Modi, Munkhbaatar Batchuluun, Henry Wallace, Franklin D, Potemkin, Munkhbaatar, Gerelmaa, Giimaa, She’d, Eduardo Quintela, Aracely, Santiago’s, Joseph Brodsky’s, Muhammad’s, Hussein, William Keo, ” Khuder, pillion, Labaik, Hussein ”, O Hussein, hearkened, Prophet, Ali —, Ali, Yazid, Imam, crackling, chickpeas, Imam Ali, Imam Hussein, Saddam Hussein, Tusi, Qasim, Imam Hussein’s, Khuder, “ Will, Najaf, prestes, — I, Yasir Yaseen, Ashura, Ali Akbar, Abbas, Ali Asghar, “ We’re, Francisco Goya’s, Hussein’s, Groom, Joseph, ” Wissam, Turfi, Saddam —, Arbaeen, Saddam, “ Imam Hussein, WE, Muhammad, Barnaby Rogerson, Prophet Muhammad ”, ” Ali, Muhammad — Muhammad, formlessness, Muqtada al, Abrams, chiding, Abu Musab Al, Zarqawi, Al Qaeda, William, “ They’re, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, flagellants, ruddy, stylishly, Hussein — shahid —, Farman Ahsan, Syed Salman Raza —, Saddam’s, ” Raza, William “, Ali Zayn al, Abidin, Labaik ya Hussein, thrall —, Lloyd, Susanne Rudolph — Organizations: CITY LA, LA, LA PAZ, Virgin, Crusaders, Dolorosa, Sun, The New York Times, Bolivian, Spain, La, Cordillera, Universidad Mayor de, Catholic, Good, La Paz, Dominican, Pakistan, Caesars, Nissan, Coke, Communists, Communism, ardor, Communist, Hyundai, flails, sacra, Apache, Mahdi Army, Al, ISIS, Karachi —, Princeton Locations: Bolivia, Mongolia, Iraq, Aatish Taseer Bolivia Mongolia Iraq, CITY LA PAZ, BOLIVIA, NAJAF, IRAQ, ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA, LA PAZ, La Paz, Bolivian, Copacabana, Lake Titicaca, New York, Christian, British, sondry, India, Delhi, Varanasi, Europe, American, Mecca, Arabia, Long, Vino Tinto, Chile, Peru, Monica, Plurinational State, Bolivia —, Americas, Spain, Columbian, Aztec Mexico, Inca Peru, Calvary Hill, Virgen del Cerro, South America, Puerto Rico, Huatajata, ”, Argentine, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Mexican, revelry, Spanish, “, morena, La, “ India, multilayered, Potosí, Argentina, Warisata, Scotch, Santiago de Compostela, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Nations, El Alto, Buenos Aires, Bombay, Tibet, Bolivia’s, Yamuna Rivers, United States, Buddhist Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian, Istanbul, Asia, Islam, China, Beijing, Dadu, Erdene Zuu, Soviet, Gobi, Los Angeles, gers, Qing China, Karnataka, Töv Province, Karakorum, Khamar, Erdene, Ukraine, Korea, Golden, Bayankhongor, Lhasa, Dalai, Inner Mongolia, Mongol, Nalaikh, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela and Canterbury, Bulgan Province, Somnath, Gujarat, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, ger, East German, Uvs Province, Pakistani, Indian, Tennessee, Najaf, Baghdad, Khuder, —, abayas, KARBALA, Kufa, Medina, Saudi Arabia, Karbala, Imam Ali, Bab, Kuwaiti, Bohras, South Asia, Tajikistan, Zaydis, Yemen, Alawites, Anatolia, Syria, Iran, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Sadr, U.S, Jordanian, Al Qaeda, Mesopotamia, Al, Multan, Pakistan, Punjab, Pakistan’s, Islamabad, Lahore, Kuwait, Karachi, Doha, Qatar

The two-week Asian Games offer a glimpse at a changing Mongolia, a vast nation sandwiched between China and Russia with only 3.3 million people. And there's also a bronze medal in men’s 3x3 basketball, where Mongolia edged South Korea 21-20. Mongolia has just over 400 athletes at the Asian Games, less than half the size of large delegations from China, Japan or South Korea. She called herself “a novice” breakdancer but has practiced with at least one member of the Mongolian team, Gan-Ulzii Ganbalt. “My generation is trying to change the way Mongolia is seen," she said.

Persons: —, Genghis Khan, “, breakdancing, Myagmarjav, ”, Mongolia’s, Chinzong Baatarsukh, there's, Tugstur Dashzevge, esports, “ There’s, Amarasana Chimeddorj, Majigsuren Organizations: breakdancing, Asian Games, Associated Press, Olympics, Soviet Union, “, Monaco, Mongolian Locations: HANGZHOU, China, Mongolia, Russia, America, Soviet, Ulaanbaatar, Asia, South Korea, Japan, Niger, Mongolian, Gan

☆ Pope wraps up Mongolia trip, says Church not bent on conversion
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Philip Pullella | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

People wave Chinese and Hong Kong flags, as Pope Francis arrives to attend the Holy Mass in the Steppe Arena, during his Apostolic Journey in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia September 3, 2023. Mongolia was part of China until 1921 and the pope's trip was dotted by allusions or appeals to the superpower next door, where the Vatican has scratchy relations with the communist government. At the end of Sunday's Mass he sent greetings to China, calling its citizens a "noble" people and asking Catholics in China to be "good Christians and good citizens." On Saturday, in words that appeared to be aimed at China rather than Mongolia, Francis said governments have nothing to fear from the Catholic Church because it has no political agenda. Beijing has been following a policy of "Sinicisation" of religion, trying to root out foreign influences and enforce obedience to the Communist Party.

Persons: Pope Francis, Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Francis, Mercy, Italian Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Philip Pullella, Michael Perry Organizations: REUTERS, Catholic, Communist Party, United, Thomson Locations: Hong Kong, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, ULAANBAATAR, China, Italian, Beijing, United States, Iran, Russia, Vatican

☆ In overture to China, pope sends greetings to a 'noble' people
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( Philip Pullella | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins Acquire Licensing RightsULAANBAATAR, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Pope Francis sent greetings to China on Sunday, calling its citizens a "noble" people and asking Catholics in China to be "good Christians and good citizens," in his latest overture to the communist country to ease restrictions on religion. Francis made the unscripted comments at the end of a Mass in Mongolia's capital, calling up the former and current archbishops of Hong Kong, Cardinal John Tong Hon and Archbishop Stephen Chow, to flank him as he spoke. "These two brother bishops - the emeritus of Hong Kong and the current bishop of Hong Kong. I would like to take advantage of their presence to send a warm greeting to the noble Chinese people," he said in Italian. And to Chinese Catholics I ask to be good Christians and good citizens," he said.

Persons: Pope Francis, Cardinal John Tong, Hong Kong's, Stephen Chow, Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Francis, Chow, Hong, Philip Pullella, William Mallard, David Evans, Frances Kerry Organizations: REUTERS, Hong, Catholic, Communist Party, Reuters, Catholic Church, Thomson Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, ULAANBAATAR, China, Mongolia's, Hong Kong, Beijing, Vatican, Vietnam, Hanoi, British, Asia

CNN —Pope Francis urged Chinese Catholics to be “good citizens” and “good Christians,” a rare instance of the Holy Father publicly addressing the issue of religion in China. Mongolia is sandwiched between Russia, whose invasion of Ukraine Francis has publicly criticized, and China, an atheist state where religious practice is heavily curtailed by the government. And to the Chinese Catholics, I ask you to be good Christians and good citizens.”Pope Francis leads Mass at the Steppe Arena in Ulaanbaatar on Sunday. Pedro Pardo/AFP/Getty ImagesChina may be officially an atheist state, but religious practice is legal in the country – albeit under tight government supervision and surveillance. Francis landed in Mongolia Friday for a trip that has lacked the usual fanfare of a Papal visit.

Persons: Pope Francis, Francis ’, Pope, Ukraine Francis, Stephen Chow, Cardinal John Tong, ”, Francis, Hong, “, ” Pope Francis, Mass, Pedro Pardo, Pontiff Organizations: CNN, Hong Kong’s, Getty, Vatican News, Mongolian, Sunday Locations: China, Mongolian, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Vatican, Beijing, AFP, Russian

☆ Pope, quoting Buddha, urges religious dialogue to fight fundamentalism
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( Philip Pullella | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Pope Francis speaks during an ecumenical and interreligious meeting at the Hun Theatre, during his Apostolic Journey in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia September 3, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli Acquire Licensing RightsULAANBAATAR, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Calling himself one of the "humble heirs" of ancient schools of wisdom and quoting the Buddha, Pope Francis on Sunday urged all religions to live in harmony and shun ideological fundamentalism that foments violence. But the pope repeated on Sunday that he put great importance in "ecumenical, inter-religious and cultural dialogue". "There can be no mixing, then, of religious beliefs and violence, of holiness and oppression, of religious traditions and sectarianism," Francis said. Several of the leaders, including the rabbi and the shaman, imparted a special blessing from their religions on the pope, wishing him health and a long life.

Persons: Pope Francis, Remo Casilli, Francis, Jesus, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Philip Pullella, Lincoln Organizations: Hun, REUTERS, Sunday, Catholic, Mongolian, Conservative, Thomson Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, ULAANBAATAR, Mongolian, China, Beijing, Soviet, Kazakhstan

☆ Chinese Catholics sneak a peek at pope in Mongolia
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Joseph Campbell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] A member of security stands outside Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral on the day Pope Francis meets with bishops, priests, missionaries, consecrated persons and pastoral workers at the cathedral, during his Apostolic Journey in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia September 2, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins Acquire Licensing RightsULAANBAATAR, Sept 2 (Reuters) - A few Chinese Catholics came to sneak a peek at Pope Francis during an official welcome ceremony in the main square of Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar on Saturday, enthusiastically waving their country's flag. The Vatican does not have diplomatic relations with China, instead recognising Chinese-claimed Taiwan, while China's Catholics have long been split between a state-backed official church and an underground flock loyal to the pope. Brandishing red, five-starred Chinese flags, two dozen Chinese nationals who identified themselves as Catholic devotees crowded around a police barrier to catch a glimpse of Francis on Saturday morning. Yang Guang, a 37-year-old Catholic from Shanghai, said he came to Mongolia for a holiday but was glad to catch a glimpse of the pope at Sukhbaatar Square.

Persons: Saints Peter, Paul Cathedral, Pope Francis, Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Francis, Yang Guang, I've, It's, I'm, Yang, Suzanne Willis, Willis, Xi Jinping, Joseph Campbell, Ben Blanchard, William Mallard Organizations: Saints, REUTERS, Reuters, Roman Catholic Church, Thomson Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, ULAANBAATAR, China, Taiwan, Shanghai, Sukhbaatar, Hong Kong

CNN —Pope Francis formally began his 8,000-kilometer trip to Mongolia on Saturday, a country sandwiched between Russia and China that has a tiny Catholic population. With just 1,500 Catholics in the entire country, the visit was lacking the usual fanfare and mass crowds typically associated with Pope Francis’ trips abroad. Yang Guang from China told Reuters: “I’m just extremely happy because this is the first time I’ve seen him. He came at the invite of the government and spent the first day resting,Mongolian President Ukhnaagin Khurelsukh signs the honor book alingside Pope Francis on Saturday. China is officially an atheist state, but religious practice is legal in the country – albeit under tight government supervision and surveillance.

Persons: Pope Francis, Pope Francis ’, Pope, Yang Guang, “, I’ve, It’s, I’m, Ukhnaagin Khurelsukh, alingside Pope Francis, Remo Casilli, Madame Tsetsege, ” Pope Francis, Saints Peter, Louise Delmotte, ”, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh Organizations: CNN, Reuters, Vatican Media, Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, Saints, Paul Catholic Cathedral, Vatican News Locations: Mongolia, Russia, China, Ulaanbaatar, Portugal, Mongolian, Moscow, Ukraine

☆ Pope, in Mongolia, sends apparent message to China on Catholic aims
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Philip Pullella | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

On his first working day in Mongolia, the government feted the pope with traditional events such a parade including men on horseback dressed as ancient Mongol warriors. Chow, who will be a made a cardinal by the pope this month, told reporters he hoped the Church in Hong Kong could be a "bridge Church" with mainland China. "This is the Church of the world, especially for the margins, and that is a good thing," Chow said. Outside the pope's meeting with Mongolian leaders, about two dozen Catholics from China waved red, five-starred Chinese flags. Reporting by Philip Pullella in Ulaanbaatar; Additional reporting by Joseph Campbell; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Pope Francis, Francis, Jesus, Saints Peter, Paul, Virgin Mary, Hong, Archbishop Stephen Chow, Chow, Oyun, ALBERTO PIZZOLI, I’ve, It’s, I’m, ”, Yang Guang, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Zuppi, Philip Pullella, Joseph Campbell, William Mallard Organizations: Catholic, Communist Party, Saints, Mongolia's, REUTERS Acquire, Catholic Church, of, Thomson Locations: ULAANBAATAR, China, Mongolia, Beijing, Vatican, British, Hong Kong, Ulaanbaatar, Asia, of Rome, Shanghai, Kyiv , Washington, Moscow, Ukraine

☆ Taiwan hopes Pope's China engagement helps 'worsening' religious freedom
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Pope Francis attends a welcome ceremony at the bishop's house during his Apostolic Journey, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia September 1, 2023. China's foreign ministry said the pope's blessing reflected friendship and goodwill, noting China and the Vatican had maintained communication in recent years. "We hope that Vatican-China exchanges will help improve China's worsening religious freedom and human rights issues," it added. China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but in recent years the government has tightened restrictions on religions seen as a challenge to the authority of the ruling Communist Party. Taiwan puts no restrictions on freedom of faith and has a thriving religious community that includes Christians, Buddhists and Muslims.

Persons: Pope Francis, Pope Francis messaged, Xi Jinping, Francis, Xi, Ben Blanchard, William Mallard Organizations: Vatican, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Catholic Church, Communist Party, Taiwan, Thomson Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Rights TAIPEI, Taiwan, China, Taipei, Beijing, China's

☆ Vietnamese Catholics travel to Mongolia to see pope, ask him to visit
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Joseph Campbell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins Acquire Licensing RightsULAANBAATAR, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Vietnamese Catholics who flew thousands of miles to see Pope Francis in Mongolia had one message for the pontiff: They want him to visit their communist-run country too. It was announced on July 27 when the pope received Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong at the Vatican. "I really hope that he will visit Vietnam in the short term," Pham said, mentioning the hope spawned by president's visit to the Vatican. "I cannot tell (you) my feelings right now, because I'm so happy," said Vo, seeing the pope for the first time. "Vietnamese people, we love him and are waiting for him to visit us in Vietnam."

Persons: Mai Anh, Peter, Paul Cathedral, Pope Francis, Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Cindy Pham, Ho, Vo Van Thuong, Pham, president's, Maria Vo, Francis, Joseph Campbell, Philip Pullella, Ros Russell Organizations: REUTERS, Catholic, Catholic Church, Thomson Locations: Vietnam, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, ULAANBAATAR, Saturday, France, Ho Chi Minh City, Vatican, Hanoi, Vietnamese, Philippines

☆ Pope Francis lands in Mongolia, home to tiny Catholic flock
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Philip Pullella | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/10] Pope Francis tastes dried yoghurt as part of a welcome tradition as he arrives at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport during his Apostolic Journey in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia September 1, 2023. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Pope Francis arrived in Mongolia on Friday to greet its tiny Catholic contingent, having earlier sent a blessing of "unity and peace" from his plane to China, with which the Vatican has had difficult relations. As is customary, Francis issued greetings to every country he flew over on his way to Mongolia including China, with which the Vatican has had difficult relations. "I send greetings of good wishes to your excellency and the People of China," the Pope said in the telegram addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Mongolia was part of China until 1921 and has political and economic ties with Beijing.

Persons: Pope Francis, Francis, Pope, Xi Jinping, China’s, Philip Pullella, John Geddie, Christian Schmollinger, Robert Birsel Organizations: Vatican, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, ITA Airways, Communist Party, Thomson Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, ULAANBAATAR, China, Western Europe, of China, Taiwan, Beijing

☆ Mongolian woman eager to welcome Pope Francis keeps up tea-spilling tradition
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Joseph Campbell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But at the end of her daily morning ritual, the 71-year-old pauses for a brief Christian prayer and crosses herself across the chest. It was important to keep alive Mongolian traditions alongside her Catholic faith, she said. "I also teach my children to preserve this valuable heritage," added Gavaadandov, who wore an orange deel, or traditional silk robe. For years, she often attended church services alone, but gradually her family, including her grandchildren and husband, joined her. The nation of about 3.3 million is strategically significant for the Roman Catholic Church because of its proximity to China, where the Vatican is trying to improve the situation of Catholics.

Persons: Perlimaa Gavaadandov, Joseph Campbell, Gavaadandov, Pope Francis, I’ll, Pope Francis’s, James Mate, Mate, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: REUTERS, Roman Catholic Church, U.S . State Department, Thomson Locations: Arvaikheer, Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, China, Asia, Kenya, Mongolian

☆ Exclusive: Mongolia, US to sign 'Open Skies' deal ahead of talks -Harris, PM
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Trevor Hunnicutt | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Kevin WurmAug 2 (Reuters) - The United States and Mongolia will sign an "Open Skies" civil aviation agreement, Vice President Kamala Harris and Mongolian Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene said on Wednesday at the start of discussions focused on Russia, China and economic development. Washington has Open Skies civil aviation agreements with more than 130 countries. The Open Skies deal between the U.S. and Mongolia will build on a memorandum of understanding for an air transport agreement reached in January. Mongolia's national carrier, MIAT Mongolian Airlines, flies to Europe and Asia but not the United States at present. Although passenger demand may not merit nonstop flights between the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, and the U.S., the Open Skies deal would also provide easier options for cargo flights between the nations.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Oyun, Kevin Wurm, Erdene, Biden, Harris, Joe Biden, Tesla, Elon Musk, Antony Blinken, Trevor Hunnicutt, Andrea Shalal, Jamie Freed, Jonathan Oatis, Leslie Adler Organizations: U.S, Mongolia's, White, REUTERS, Mongolian, China, MIAT, MIAT Mongolian Airlines, SpaceX, Biden, Google, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, United States, Mongolia, Russia, China, Washington, Ukraine, Japan, South Korea, . Washington, MIAT Mongolian, Europe, Asia, Ulaanbaatar, U.S, Birmingham , Alabama

What is the Naadam festival? “Naadam means ‘games’ in the Mongolian language and it includes three main competitions, Mongolian wrestling, archery and horse racing,” he explains. The Naadam games took place virtually for two years, from 2020-2021, because of the pandemic. Kyodo/APIn addition to the major festivities held in Ulaanbaatar, there are Naadam games – of different scales – held across Mongolia in the countryside. A female archer strikes a pose at a small Naadam festival at the Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia's Gobi Desert in 2019.

Persons: Genghis Khan, Here’s, Naadam, It’s, ”, “ Naadam, Genghis, Barry Lewis, –, Yesunge, Tessa Chan, Alison Wright, David, Goliath, Wu Hong Organizations: CNN, Manly Games, Nomadic Expeditions, “, UNESCO, Intangible, Heritage, Humanity, South China Morning, Mongolian Government, Mongolian, Mongolia, Archery, Kyodo, AP, Archery Field, Shutterstock Locations: Mongolia, gers, Mongol, Ulaanbaatar, Uliastai, Western Mongolia, South, Mongolian, Australia, New Zealand, Ulaanbataar

☆ Karakorum: Mongolia’s ancient capital is a cultural delight
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Breanna Wilson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Karakorum, Mongolia CNN —Karakorum is known by many names and even more reputations. Where to Stay in KarakorumThe new Silver Tree Guest House offers a variety of sleeping options including traditional yurts. Silver Tree Guest HouseWhile Karakorum is often considered a stop along the route to somewhere else, this culturally rich city deserves closer attention. The hotel is within walking distance to Erdene Zuu Monastery, Karakorum Museum, and the Erdenesiin Khuree Calligraphy Center. While Silver Tree Guest House is still in its opening phases, staying here feels like you’ve been invited into someone’s home.

☆ Why 2023 is the year to visit Mongolia
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Breanna Wilson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia CNN —Due to its remoteness and short summer season, Mongolia has long been a destination overlooked by travelers. Here are 10 reasons travelers should start planning their long-dreamed-of Mongolia visit now. A growing visa-free listWith the government of Mongolia declaring 2023 through 2025 the “Years to Visit Mongolia,” citizens from an additional 34 countries can now visit the country visa-free through the end of 2025. Celebrate Naadam as it turns the centuryThe annual Naadam event has always been a great reason to visit Mongolia, but now that the festival has just celebrated its 100 year anniversary, 2023 is as good a time as ever to attend. Yeruu LodgeNestled in the heart of Selenge province on the Yeruu River, Yeruu Lodge is the brainchild of Norwegian founder Eirik Gulsrud Johnsen, who first visited Mongolia in 2017.

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