(ANS - Quito) - Pope Francis arrived in Ecuador yesterday, 5 July, shortly after 3.00 p.m. local time. He was welcomed at the airport by the authorities of Church and State and by young people of different ethnic backgrounds. After the official greetings, the Pope broke with protocol and blessed each young person.

by Marcelo Mejía

On behalf of all Ecuadorians, President Rafael Correa gave him a warm welcome. The Holy Father expressed his gratitude for the affection and recalled that he had been in the country previously. "I begin these days with enthusiasm and hope,” said the Pope. He then urged those present to find in the Gospel the keys to today's challenges.

Many members of the Salesian Family had arranged to be present, among thousands of other people, along the roads where the pope-mobile passed.  Hundreds of young people volunteered to assist the Church in Ecuador in organizing this long-awaited visit.

In Quito yesterday evening a crowd of people could be heard singing the Pope’s praises. He heard their chanting and came out from the Nunciature to greet them. Pope Francis then invited everyone to pray a Hail Mary, wished them all goodnight and went to rest.

At dawn today, the Pope left for Guayaquil.

Published 06/07/2015