Pope Francis arrived in Sri Lanka today to a thunderous welcome from the faithful and dignitaries and told the crowds that he came to “meet, encourage and pray with the Catholic people of this island.”

Vatican Radio is reporting that the moment Francis stepped off the plane in Colombo, Sri Lanka today, he was greeted by roars of approval along with native children who welcomed him with a garland of yellow and white flowers -  the colors of the Vatican. While the Pope was walking along a red carpet which was laid upon the ground for him, children dressed in traditional attire greeted him along with a baby elephant and a group of dancers who performed traditional dances.

Also on hand was the new president of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena and his wife along with Cardinal Malcom Ranjith and other dignitaries.

President Sirisena devoted his first public address since taking office a few days ago to welcoming Pope Francis to his country.

Predominantly Buddhist, only about six percent of the country’s 20 million population are Christian. The country has been experiencing an uptick of violence in recent years between rivaling ethnics groups but president Sirisena is promising a new day of religious freedom and tolerance.

In keeping with the hopeful mood in the country, Francis’ first address to the island nation included a call for respect for the human rights of all.

“Dear friends, I am convinced that the followers of the various religious traditions have an essential role to play in the delicate process of reconciliation and rebuilding which is taking place in this country," he said.

"For that process to succeed, all members of society must work together; all must have a voice. All must be free to express their concerns, their needs, their aspirations and their fears. Most importantly, they must be prepared to accept one another, to respect legitimate diversities, and learn to live as one family. Whenever people listen to one another humbly and openly, their shared values and aspirations become all the more apparent. Diversity is no longer seen as a threat, but as a source of enrichment. The path to justice, reconciliation and social harmony becomes all the more clearly seen.”

He also spoke about the highlight of the visit, which will be the canonization of the “Apostle of Sri Lanka”, Blessed Joseph Vaz, a native of India who is best known for his missionary zeal in reviving the Church in Sri Lanka during the harsh persecution of Calvinist Dutch rule in the 17th century. During that time, it was illegal for Catholic priests to preach and they faced imprisonment and even death if caught. The canonization will take place tomorrow.

The pope will visit Sri Lanka for two days, then fly to the Philippines where he will spend three days. The last day of his trip will coincide with the feast of the Holy Child of Cebu in the Philippines, and include a Mass at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal (Luneta) Park which is expected to draw one of the largest audiences in papal history.

Click here to watch EWTN’s continuing coverage of the Apostolic Voyage.

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