Pope arrives in Thailand at the
start of his 32nd Apostolic Journey
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| Pope Francis on arrival at Bangkok Airport (Vatican Media) |
Pope Francis arrives at Bangkok Airport after an eleven-hour
flight from Rome. Thailand is the first stop on a seven day Apostolic Journey
to Asia taking him to Thailand and Japan.
By Vatican News
The plane carrying the Pope, his entourage and around 70
journalists and media professionals, arrived in Bangkok just after noon, local
time, on Wednesday.
This is Pope Francis’ 32nd Apostolic
Journey, taking him to Thailand until 23 November and then Japan until 26
November. Confirming these nation’s small Catholic communities in the faith,
promoting interreligious dialogue, defending life and the environment: these
are just some of the themes underlining the visit.
Arrival ceremony in Bangkok
A representative of the Royal Council of Thailand, and
another six authorities representing the Thai Government, met the Pope on his
arrival, together with members of the Thai Bishops’ Conference. Also there to
greet him were 11 children representing the dioceses of Thailand where
Catholics number around 300,000.
The Pope’s motorcade then left immediately for the
Nunciature where Pope Francis is expected to rest before the first full day of
the visit begins on Thursday.
The first papal appointments
The Pope’s first appointment on Thursday is at Government
House where the official Welcome Ceremony will take place. Pope Francis will
meet privately with Thai Prime Minister, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, before
addressing authorities, members of civil society and the diplomatic corps.
Immediately afterwards, he will visit the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch, Somdej
Phra Maha Muneewong, at the Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram Temple.
Before lunch, Pope Francis will meet medical staff and a
group of patients at the St. Louis Hospital in Bangkok. This important
healthcare facility was founded by Catholics in 1898. In the afternoon, the
Pope will pay a private visit to the King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn Rama
X, at the Amphorn Royal Palace.
The Pope’s first full day of events will conclude with the
celebration of a Mass with young people in the National Stadium of Bangkok.
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