This is the first time a pope visited Ecuador after three decades. Thousands of Catholics swarmed the roadsides of the capital, excited to welcome and see the 78-year-old pontiff.
Pope Francis will be giving a holy mass in the city of Guayaquil which will be broadcast on Monday in eight languages. "I love the Pope's sermons. I am among those who admire Saint Francis of Assisi, and I love him because he is authentic," said Maria Criolla, an Ecuadorian homemaker speaking in front of a church in Quito, according to ABC News.
After Pope Francis emerged from the Alitalia passenger plane, Ecuador president Rafael Correa met him on the tarmac and welcomed him in a warm embrace. "I thank God for having allowed me to return to Latin America and to be here with you today, in this beautiful land of Ecuador," said Pope Francis, the first South American pope, according to The Sunday Morning Herald.
Here's the map of Pope Francis' pilgrimage to Latin America:
The pontiff also encouraged Correa, despite facing recent calls to leave the office, to promote "dialogue and participation without exclusions. Progress and development must ensure a better future for all, paying special attention to our most vulnerable brothers and the most vulnerable minorities, which are the debt that Latin America still has," said Pope Francis to Rafael Correa, according to ABC News.
In March 16, 2013, when he was elected to be the "Sovereign" of the Vatican City, he had chosen to represent Saint Francis of Assisi since he is mainly concerned to the well-being of the needy. He became an active advocate for the poor and social and environmental issues. "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," said the first Jesuit pope of the Catholic Church, according to the Telegraph.
