WARSAW, May 7. /Dunyo IA/. The Catholic Church in Uzbekistan remains one of the country’s smallest religious communities, bringing together about a thousand believers of various nationalities, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing with reference to the “Polskie Radio” portal.

It is noted that for over twenty years, the Church has been led by Bishop Jerzy Maculewicz, whose appointment was one of the final decisions made by Pope John Paul II.

The appointment of the Polish priest as Apostolic Administrator was announced on April 1, 2005, and only the following day, the world learned of the Pontiff's passing. This fact has bestowed a special symbolic significance upon his ministry in Central Asia.

The history of Catholicism in Uzbekistan dates back to the 19th century. By 1875, a Catholic parish already existed in Tashkent. Later, Bonaventura Pranaitis acquired land for the construction of a church, which was built by prisoners of war from World War I - Poles, Czechs, Hungarians and Austrians. Due to the proximity of Polish settlements, the temple earned the unofficial name “Polish” church.

During the Soviet era, the Catholic community endured repressions and restrictions; however, the restoration of church structures began in the late 20^th century. Priests of Polish origin, including the Franciscan Krzysztof Kukułka, played a vital role in this process.

Today, the country’s largest Catholic parish is located in Tashkent and brings together about 500 people. The community includes people of Polish, Russian and Korean descent, as well as foreigners and newly converted Christians.

Despite the fact that Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, Bishop Jerzy Maculewicz notes an atmosphere of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The Catholic Church also participates in the preservation of Polish cultural heritage. There are 16 cemeteries of General Władysław Anders' army soldiers located in Uzbekistan, and a monument in their honor has been installed in the Tashkent cathedral.

According to Bishop Jerzy Maculewicz, the primary mission of the Catholic community lies not in numbers, but in presence and service to society, remaining the “salt of the earth” in multinational and multiconfessional Uzbekistan.