His Holiness Pope Francis departed on an Alitalia flight from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport at 9.51am (local) and will land in Panama at around 10:30 p.m. Italian time. Upon arrival at Panama’s Tocumen International Airport, the Pontiff will go directly to the Apostolic Nunciature, where he will stay for the duration of the visit.
As reported by Vatican news, In a tweet before his departure the Pontiff said, “I am leaving for the World Youth Day in Panama. I ask you to pray for this very beautiful and important event on the path of the Church.”
His Holiness Pope Francis’ journey will get underway in earnest on Thursday with an official welcome at the Presidential Palace and a meeting with authorities and diplomats. Later in the day, His Holiness Pope Francis will meet with Bishops from Central America. The highlight of Thursday, however, will be the opening of the World Youth Day ceremony at the Coastal Belt at 17.30 local time.
