Pope Francis arrived in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, becoming the second Pontiff to visit the country, after Saint John Paul II in 1986.
The Pope’s plane landed at Dhaka’s International Airport at 3:00 pm (10:00 am in Rome).
The President of the Republic of Bangladesh, Abdul Hamid, welcomed the Holy Father on his arrival.
During the welcome ceremony, two children dressed in the country’s typical costumes gave the Pontiff flowers and a jar of earth, which the Pope blessed.
Some political and civil Authorities of Bangladesh were present, as well as a group of faithful and 40 children who danced a traditional dance.
As is usual in the Pontiff’s Apostolic Journeys, he was given military honors and hymns were played. Then the respective delegations were introduced.
At the end of the meeting, the Pope took his leave amid traditional dances. He then went to the Monument of National Martyrs of Savar.
Translation by Virginia M. Forrester
JF
