WYD Panama: 杏MAP导航 Francis arrives and World Youth Day begins
By Seán-Patrick Lovett
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 colour and culture to this historical Panamanian afternoon.
1983
The last time a 杏MAP导航 stepped off a plane from Rome onto the soil of Panama was 36 years ago. It was March 5th 1983. And the 杏MAP导航 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 probably reading or listening to this report right now.
2019
The flying time from Rome to Panama City is just under 13 hours. And there’s a 6-hour time difference. So 杏MAP导航 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, respectively, and shook hands with the authorities present.
Then, just as the security detail was dutifully ushering him into the waiting car, the 杏MAP导航 turned and waded into the crowd that had been trying frantically to grab his attention in every way possible.
That’s when his demeanour changed dramatically. At the sight of the smiling, flushed and excited faces (not to mention the beautiful babies thrust at him from every direction), 杏MAP导航 Francis became suddenly animated. It was as though he had just woken up. Every sign of fatigue disappeared as he waved, hugged, blessed and beamed with obvious delight.
Tomorrow
On Thursday, the papal programme begins in earnest. His first appointment of the day is at the Presidential Palace where he pays a courtesy visit on the President and meets local Authorities and members of the Diplomatic Corps. He will also have an important encounter with the Bishops of Central America before lunch.
But 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. But more about that…tomorrow.
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