Pope Francis starts visit to Kazakhstan

(ANSA) - NUR-SULTAN, SEP 13 - Pope Francis landed in the Kazakhstan capital Nur-Sultan on Tuesday to start his 38th Apostolic Journey.
    The pontiff had a short encounter with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ahead of a welcome ceremony.
    Francis is visiting the Central Asian nation mainly to attend the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
    When asked by journalists on the papal flight if he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his time in Kazakhstan, Francis replied: "I don't know anything about that, but I am always ready to go to China".
    Xi is also visiting Kazakhstan this week.
    Pope Francis will return to Rome on Thursday. (ANSA).