Pope Francis: arrival ceremony in Quito, Ecuador

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis arrived in Quito, Ecuador, on Sunday, at the start of a three-pronged tour of Latin America that will see him also in Bolivia and Paraguay. After landing at Quito’s “Mariscal Sucre” international airport at roughly 3PM local time, Pope Francis was greeted by the President of the Republic of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, along with an array of dignitaries both civil and ecclesiastical.

After the initial greetings, the playing of the anthems and the rendering of official military honors, President Correa delivered some words of welcome, in which he spoke of the honor of hosting the Holy Father and his hope for a happy and fruitful visit.

In his own remarks prepared for the occasion, Pope Francis thanked God for allowing him to return to Latin America and to be in the beautiful land of Ecuador, expressing joy and gratitude at the warm welcome he received, calling it, “a sign of the hospitality which so well defines the people of this noble nation.”

The Holy Father went on to say, “I have come as a witness of God’s mercy and of faith in Jesus Christ,” noting also the way in which the Christian faith has shaped the identity of the people of Ecuador and borne much good fruit.

“In our own time too,” the Pope continued, “we can find in the Gospel a key to meeting contemporary challenges, respecting differences, fostering dialogue and full participation, so that the growth in progress and development already registered will ensure a better future for everyone, with particular concern for the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters.”

The Holy Father went on to assure the president that in all such efforts, he and the people of Ecuador can count on the commitment and cooperation of the Church.

The Pope concluded with a recollection of Ecuador’s astounding natural beauty and of the nobility and abiding faith of the country’s people.

“From the peak of Chimborazo to the Pacific coast,” he said, “from the Amazon rainforest to the Galapagos Islands, may you never lose the ability to thank God for what he has done and is doing for you.” He continued, “May you never lose the ability to protect what is small and simple, to care for your children and your elderly, to have confidence in the young, and to be constantly struck by the nobility of your people and the singular beauty of your country.”

Finally, Pope Francis said, “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to which Ecuador has been consecrated, grant you every grace and blessing.”