In Ecuador the Pope speaks about the natural beauty of the country and recalls the symbols of Christ and the Church – The key to the future
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.