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Pope Francis arrives in Panama and World Youth Day begins |
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 By Seán-Patrick Lovett
A.M. Costa Rica wire services For thousands of young people, the arrival of Pope Francis in Panama Wednesday afternoon marks the true beginning of the 34th World Youth Day. There were those who had waited at the airport all day and it was hot (33°C not counting the horrendous humidity). There were those who had practiced their dance routines for months and they added elegance and energy to the event. There were those who had created costumes and national dresses for the occasion and they brought color and culture to this historical Panamanian afternoon. According to the Vatican, it has been 36 years since a Pope visited Panama. It was March 5th 1983 and the Pope was John Paul II. The world was still dominated by the North American and Soviet superpowers, and the Motorola Company had just launched the first mobile phone, very different to the one on which you are reading or listening to this report right now. The flying time from Rome to Panama City is just under 13 hours so Pope Francis looked justifiably tired as he walked down the steps of the Alitalia aircraft and greeted Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela Rodríguez and the first lady. With head bowed, he listened attentively to the national anthems of the Holy See and Panama and shook hands with the authorities present. Then, just as the security detail was dutifully ushering him into the waiting car, the Pope turned and waded into the crowd that had been trying frantically to grab his attention in every way possible. At that point, his demeanor changed dramatically. At the sight of the smiling, flushed and excited faces (not to mention the beautiful babies thrust at him from every direction), Pope Francis became suddenly animated. It was as though he had just awakened. Every sign of fatigue disappeared as he waved, hugged, blessed and beamed with obvious delight. On Thursday, the papal program begins in earnest. The Pope’s first appointment of the day is at the Presidential Palace where he will pay a courtesy visit on the President and meet local Authorities and members of the Diplomatic Corps. |
 Vatican courtesy photo According
to the Vatican, it has been 36 years
since a Pope visited Panama. He will also have an important encounter with the Bishops of Central America before lunch. The highlight of the day, at least as far as the young people are concerned, is the opening ceremony for the World Youth Day at the Campo Santa Maria di Antigua on the Coastal Belt. World Youth Day (WYD) is a worldwide encounter with the Pope which is typically celebrated every three years in a different country. This year is held in Panama City, from January 22nd to 27th, 2019. ----
Should the Pope give a public statement on the position of the Catholic Church in regard to the crises in Venezuela and Nicaragua? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com Editor's note Mr. Sean-Patrick Lovett is the Director of Vatican Radio's English Section. *Click on the blue letters to reach the place in google maps. |
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