Pope Francis lands in Sri Lanka for ’mission of mercy’

Mangalore Today News Network

Sri Lanka, Jan 13, 2015: Pope Francis has called for respect for human rights, inclusivity, and the "pursuit of truth" as he arrived in Sri Lanka to begin a six-day Asian tour.

 

The pontiff, who will later travel to the Philippines, plans to celebrate open-air masses during his trip.

It is the first papal visit to Sri Lanka since the end of a 26-year civil war in 2009.

The country’s new president has promised an end to growing repression of religious minorities.

Speaking on the tarmac of Colombo’s international airport, where he was met by President Maithripala Sirisena and ceremonial dancers, the Pope said that peace could be found by "cultivating those virtues which foster reconciliation, solidarity and peace".

Rebuilding Sri Lanka was more than just improving infrastructure, the Pope said, "but also, and even more importantly, promoting human dignity, respect for human rights, and the full inclusion of each member of society".

He also said that the "pursuit of truth" was important, "not for the sake of opening old wounds, but rather as a necessary means of promoting justice, healing and unity".

A motorcade drove Pope Francis into the centre of Colombo, past crowds and troupes of decorated elephants.

He arrived late for a meeting with Sri Lankan bishops, forcing its cancellation, a Vatican spokesman said. But a source told AFP news agency that Pope Francis was "exhausted" by the trip.

On Wednesday he is holding a mass in Colombo that is expected to attract one million people.

At the service he will canonise Sri Lanka’s first saint, the 17th Century missionary Joseph Vaz.