2015-07-06 L’Osservatore Romano - The keys to confronting “contemporary challenges and to building “a better future for everyone” are in the Gospel. This was Pope Francis' message on his arrival in Ecuador, the first leg of this visit in Latin America which will be followed by Bolivia and Paraguay.
In his address at the welcome ceremony at the Quito Airport — where the papal flight arrived on Sunday afternoon, 5 July, at 10 pm Italy time — the Pontiff assured President Correa of the Church's cooperation in building a society based on respecting differences, on dialogue and participation in the life of the country with particular attention to the poor and marginalized minorities. Then Francis launched an appeal to protect what is small and simple, to care for the children and the elderly, calling also a better tomorrow for young people and for the protection of the country's natural beauty.
From his first moments in Ecuador, the Pope experienced the overwhelming enthusiasm of the people who were lined along the streets that led from the airport to the Apostolic Nunciature in Quito — the residence where Francis spent the rest of the day. The people of Ecuador are preparing to participate in the Mass on Monday morning in the De Los Samanes Park in Guayaquil. After lunch in the community of the Jesuit College, the Pope will return to the capital to meet the President and visit the city's cathedral.
In his address at the welcome ceremony at the Quito Airport — where the papal flight arrived on Sunday afternoon, 5 July, at 10 pm Italy time — the Pontiff assured President Correa of the Church's cooperation in building a society based on respecting differences, on dialogue and participation in the life of the country with particular attention to the poor and marginalized minorities. Then Francis launched an appeal to protect what is small and simple, to care for the children and the elderly, calling also a better tomorrow for young people and for the protection of the country's natural beauty.
From his first moments in Ecuador, the Pope experienced the overwhelming enthusiasm of the people who were lined along the streets that led from the airport to the Apostolic Nunciature in Quito — the residence where Francis spent the rest of the day. The people of Ecuador are preparing to participate in the Mass on Monday morning in the De Los Samanes Park in Guayaquil. After lunch in the community of the Jesuit College, the Pope will return to the capital to meet the President and visit the city's cathedral.