On the final day of his Apostolic Visit to Ecuador, Pope Francis made a brief stop at a home for the elderly run by the Missionaries of Charity in Quito.
Thousands lined the streets and surrounded the residence to catch a glimpse of the Pope, many of them shouting «Queremos ver al Papa» (We want to see the Pope).
Upon his arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the sisters. The nuns placed a wreath of blue and white flowers around his neck and accompanied him to the chapel where he remained in silent prayer for several minutes.
He was then led to a room where the elderly residents received him with cheers. One of them welcomed the Holy Father and placed a traditional hat on the Pope’s head. The 78-year-old Pontiff then greeted each resident one by one.
The nuns who work at the residence gathered around the Pope and asked for his blessing. The Holy Father then reminded the nuns about his visit to Naples when a group of cloistered nuns surrounded him, saying that they were «going to devour me like lions.»
Before leaving, one person presented the Holy Father with homemade desserts. «Is this for me?» the Pope asked. When the woman responded yes, he jokingly exclaimed: «But I’m leaving today!»
As he made his way outside Pope Francis was met with cheers from the many people waiting. The Holy Father then blessed them and even posed for a few pictures before making his way to a meeting with Ecuador’s clergy.
