His Holiness Pope Francis paid a visit to Rome’s St. Mary Major Basilica on to pray before the Marian icon of Salus Populi Romani, a practice that has become customary with him on the eve of his foreign trips. The papal flight takes off from Rome in the morning on January 23 and is expected to arrive at Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at around 4:30 pm local time.
On 24th January, his first full day in Panama, the Pontiff will visit the president at his residence, where he will address the diplomatic corps and representatives of civil society. He will them meet the Central American bishops and later in the evening will be accorded a welcome by the young participants of the World Youth Day.
The WYD, January 22-27, has as its theme: “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38).
