Thousands of people give warm welcome for Pope Francis

Wednesday, 14 January 2015 00:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By ChamithaKuruppu Thousands of people flocked along the Colombo-Negombo road last morning to get a glimpse of Pope Francis. People from all walks of life including the disabled and sick, Catholics and non-Catholics, waited eagerly for hours waving flags and watching the Holy Father’s arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport on giant screens.

Pope Francis receives a saffron-coloured robe from Hindu Ndu-Kurukkal Siva Sri T. Mahadeva (R) during the Interreligious Encounter at the BMICH in Colombo 13 January. Pope Francis called on Sri Lanka to uncover the truth of what happened during its bloody civil war as part of a healing process between religious communities, as he arrived in Colombo a few days after the island’s wartime leaders were voted out - Reuters Some had come as early as 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning to see Pope Francis several hours before the Holy Father arrived in the country. In JaEla, biscuits and soft drinks were distributed among children and the elderly from time to time and church choirs sang hymns while people waited.

However, the white Land Rover bearing number plate SCV1 driven by the Swiss guard that carried Pope Francis passed the area within seconds even before people realised that they are actually witnessing the much-loved Pope. Pope Francis was smiling and waving and making special gestures when he saw little children. People tried to get closer to the vehicle hoping to touch the Pope and screamed, “Papa Francisco, we love you.” In Seeduwa, the Holy Father had stopped, touched and blessed children. “Let us pray that Pope Francis will stop here and bless us,” urged a Catholic priest before Pope Francis reached the area.

“I was actually hoping that he will get down and talk to the children,” said 37-year-old Nimeka, who had come with her two children and husband. “But I am happy that I saw him. I feel we are all blessed to have such great experience,” she said. 59-year-old Beatrice Pieris said: “The Pope looked more beautiful than we have seen him on television.” In 1995, Beatrice witnessed the arrival of Pope John Paul II. “This is my second time. Twenty years ago I was carrying my son who was just five years old. I am fortunate I was able to see two Holy Fathers in my lifetime,” she said. The Chief Priest of JaElaBodhirajarama Temp-leKurupanawe Wimalananda Thero said: “We hope Pope Francis’ visit will bring good to the country. We hope this will strengthen unity among communal and religious groups in the country.”

Eager to secure a good spot to witness Pope Francis’ open air mass at Galle Face Green today, several people began assembling at the venue as early as last night in anticipation of a huge crowd - Pix by Lasantha Kumara

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