Madagascar welcomes Pope Francis in style

The president, bishops, and people of Madagascar welcome Pope Francis to their island nation on Friday evening with a special celebration at the airport in Antananarivo.

Pope Francis arrived Friday afternoon in Madagascar, kicking off the second leg of his 31st Apostolic Journey abroad.

President Andry Rajoelina and his wife, Mialy Rajoelina, welcomed the Pope to the airport in the capital Antananarivo. Two children in traditional dress offered flowers to the Pope, at a ceremony attended by some 300 of the faithful and several of the nation's Catholic Bishops.

Arrival in the Nunciature

Pope Francis then drove to the Apostolic Nunciature, where he was greeted by a choir, who sang two local hymns in honor of the Pope.

Following the songs, the Holy Father greeted those present individually before entering the Nunciature, where he dined and spent the night, getting rested up for a busy Saturday.

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07 September 2019, 08:31