These two realities help make it possible to recognize and appreciate the genius and the creative dynamism of this people. It is impossible to think of the future of a society without the active – and not merely nominal – participation of each of its members, in such a way that his or her dignity is acknowledged and guaranteed through access to quality education and the promotion of dignified jobs. This involves decision, commitment and daily effort to ensure that all have the opportunity to feel that they are agents of their own destiny and that of their families and the entire nation.

This capacity shapes the heart of the Panamanian people.Įach of you has a special place in the building of the nation, and is called to ensure that this land can live up to its vocation to be a land of convocation and encounter. A bridge between oceans and a natural land of encounter, Panama, the narrowest country of the entire American continent, is the symbol of the sustainability born of the ability to create bonds and alliances. Thanks to its privileged location, your country is a strategic enclave not only for the region but also for the entire world. This was seen in the Congress of Panama and is seen today too in the arrival of thousands of young people who bring with them the hope and desire to meet and celebrate with one another. Taking up this inspiration, we can look upon Panama as a land of convocation and a land of dreams. A convocation that helps us realize that our peoples are able to create, to forge and, above all, to dream of a great fatherland that can include, respect and embrace the multicultural richness of each people and culture. I begin my pilgrimage in this historical precinct where, as His Excellency the President just reminded us, Simón Bolívar stated that “if the world had to choose its capital, the Isthmus of Panama would be marked out for this great destiny”, and convoked the leaders of his time to forge the dream of the unification of the Great Fatherland. Thank you for having opened to us the doors of your home. In addressing you, I would like to greet and thank all the people of Panama who, from Darién to Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro, have made a marvellous effort to welcome the many young people arriving from all over the world. I thank you, Mr President, for your words of welcome and your kind invitation to visit this nation. Mr President, Madam Vice President Distinguished Authorities, Ladies and Gentlemen, Meeting with the Authorities, with the Diplomatic Corps and with Representatives of Society Meeting with the WYD volunteers in the Rommel Fernandez Stadiumįarewell ceremony at Panama International AirportĪrrival at Rome-Ciampino International Airport Visit to the Casa Hogar del Buen Samaritano Holy Mass for World Youth Day at Campo San Juan Pablo II – Metro Park Vigil with young people at Campo San Juan Pablo II – Metro Park Lunch with young people in the San José Major Seminary Holy Mass with the dedication of the altar of the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua with priests, consecrated persons and lay movements Via Crucis with young people at Campo Santa Maria la Antigua – Cinta Costera Transfer by helicopter to the Apostolic Nunciature Penitential liturgy with young detainees in the Centro de Cumplimiento de Menores Las Garzas de Pacora Welcome ceremony and opening of WYD at Campo Santa Maria la Antigua – Cinta Costera Meeting with central american Bishops in the Church of San Francisco de Asis Meeting with the Authorities, with the Diplomatic Corps and with Representatives of Society in Palacio Bolivar – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Welcome ceremony at the main entrance of Palacio de las Garzas – Presidency of the RepublicĬourtesy visit to the President of the Republic in Palacio de las Garzas – Presidency of the Republic Video message of His Holiness Pope Francisĭeparture by air from Rome/Fiumicino for PanamaĪrrival at Tocumen International Airport in Panama.Apostolic Journey of the Holy Father to Panama for the 34rd World Youth Day ( 23-28 January 2019)

Opus domini priority