President Carlos Alvarado Quesada, first lady Claudia Dobles, and other members of the government arrived in Panama Friday night to participate in the Mass that the Pope gave Sunday.

"Claudia and I lived for many years here. Panama gave us work and many joys, like Gabriel (referring to his son), who was born in this country," said President Alvarado.

On Saturday, the president attended the private blessing ceremony of the restored Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua, which was presided over by Pope Francis.

After the ceremony, the president had a few conversations with Saint Pope Francisco and gave him the gift of eight packages with coffee. He also presented the Pope with a red shirt of the national soccer team with the name of Francisco on the back,a purple stole, the Flag and the Costa Rican Shield, as well as the image of the Virgin of Los Angeles.

According to President Alvarado, before the gift was given, the Pope had already said that Costa Rican coffee was, "the best coffee in the world."

The president subsequently met with the President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela. Among other issues discussed in this meeting, was the possibility of promoting joint tourism strategies with actions such as the implementation of cruise tourism among neighboring countries. They also discussed the option of exploring inter-connectivity through a train between Costa Rica and Panama.

According to the Presidential House, one of the points that dominated the agenda was the crisis that Venezuela is experiencing.

"We join forces with the Group of Lima, of which both Panama and Costa Rica are part, to find solutions to this dramatic situation experienced by Venezuelan citizens," said President Alvarado.