Uzbek official attends Pope’s inauguration ceremony in the Vatican

On May 18, the official inauguration ceremony of newly elected Pope Leo XIV was held in the Vatican. The Republic of Uzbekistan was represented by Nuriddin Ismailov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

Hundreds of thousands gather in the Vatican

According to official data, about 250,000 people from around the world gathered at St. Peter’s Square and its surroundings. Delegations from 156 foreign countries, royal families, and various religious confessions attended the ceremony.

Uzbekistan’s congratulations and the President’s greetings

After the official part of the event, Speaker Nuriddin Ismailov personally congratulated the new Pope and conveyed warm greetings from the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude to the Uzbek leadership and people.

It is worth noting that earlier, on April 26 of this year, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate Sodiq Safoyev represented Uzbekistan at the funeral of former Pope Francis.

From Zamin.uz editorial:
Uzbekistan’s regular participation in international political ceremonies reinforces its policies of peace, dialogue, and interfaith tolerance. This meeting in the Vatican will be remembered as an important milestone in diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and the Holy See. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!