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.
Below, please find the full text of the Holy Father’s prepared remarks at the welcome ceremony, in their official English translation.
Mr President,
Distinguished Government Authorities,
My Brother Bishops,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
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. I feel joy and gratitude as I see the warm welcome you have offered me…