Central Asian bishops back Pope Leo XIV, condemn war, and urge global peace during Tashkent assembly, highlighting unity and interfaith dialogue.
Newsroom (21/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a unified and resolute voice, the bishops of Central Asia have reaffirmed their support for Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing his role as a global advocate for peace and justice. Gathering in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from April 15 to 19 for the Fifth Plenary Assembly of the Central Asian Bishops’ Conference, the Church leaders underscored their solidarity with the Bishop of Rome, particularly in the wake of verbal attacks directed at him by U.S. President Donald Trump.
At the outset of the assembly, the bishops expressed their backing of the pontiff’s “peacemaking efforts and pastoral ministry,” highlighting his commitment not only to the faithful under his care but also to those suffering amid wars and injustice. Their message reflected a broader concern for global instability and a clear alignment with the Pope’s calls for compassion and reconciliation.
The gathering brought together bishops and Catholic ordinaries from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, and Azerbaijan, marking a significant moment of regional ecclesiastical collaboration. The Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, Archbishop George Panamthundil, attended the opening sessions and addressed participants, while Archbishop Giovanni D’Aniello, Apostolic Nuncio to Uzbekistan and Russia, conveyed his message remotely.
A key moment of the assembly came on April 17, when elections were held for the Conference’s governing bodies. Cardinal Giorgio Marengo was elected President, with Bishop José Luis Mumbiela Sierra serving as Vice President and Bishop Yevgeniy Zinkovskiy appointed Secretary General. These appointments signal continuity and renewed leadership within the regional Church structure.
Throughout the plenary sessions, the bishops engaged in extensive dialogue, sharing their pastoral experiences and addressing the challenges confronting local Churches. In a spirit described as one of “fraternal communion,” they reflected on the realities faced by their communities while reinforcing a shared sense of mission. The discussions emphasized unity, mutual support, and responsibility in responding to both spiritual and social concerns.
On April 18, the assembly took a notable step toward interreligious engagement with a visit to the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent. The visit was characterized as a meaningful gesture of openness and mutual respect, underscoring the bishops’ commitment to fostering dialogue between faith traditions in a diverse and complex regional context.
The assembly concluded with a strong appeal to the faithful worldwide. In their final statement, the bishops called for earnest prayer for those affected by “unjust wars,” entrusting their suffering to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace. They urged the global community to seek and support “a just and lasting peace for all,” reinforcing the Church’s enduring message of hope amid conflict.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Fides News
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