Welcome to Myanmar

This morning, before celebrating a private Mass, the Holy Father, Pope Francis met with religious leaders from Myanmar.  The encounter took place at the residence of the Archbishop of Yangoon.  After lunch, the Pope travelled by car to the Yangoon International airport where, at 2:00pm local time (2:30am EST), he departed aboard a MAI (Myanmar Airways International) B737 bound for Nay Pyi Taw.

Upon his arrival at the International airport in Nay Pyi Taw, Pope Francis was welcomed by a Minister delegated by the President.  He then travelled by car to the Presidential Palace where, in the courtyard outside the Palace at 3:30pm local time (3:00am EST), the Holy Father was officially welcomed to Myanmar

Following the playing of the national anthems, the presentation of military honours and the introduction of the respective delegations, the Holy Father and the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Mister Htin Kyaw entered the Presidential Palace where a courtesy visit took place.

The Pope signed the Golden Book and then, inside the Credentials Hall, located on the ground floor of the building, he held a private meeting with the President which concluded with the introduction of the President's family members and the exchange of gifts.

At the conclusion of the visit, the President accompanied Pope Francis to the Diplomatic Corps room where His Holiness met with the State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.

The Holy Father then travelled by car to the Myanmar International Convention Centre for a meeting with Authorities, members of Civil Society and of the Diplomatic Corps.