Pope to arrive BD on Nov 30 with the massage of peace

Pope Francis, the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic Church will reach Bangladesh on November 30 on a 3-day visit here.   

The committee formed on the occasion of the arrival of the pope, revealed the information at a press conference organised by it on Tuesday at city’s Archbishop House.

The pope will also visit Myanmar before coming to Bangladesh from November 27-30. The visit to Myanmar will be the first by any pope to the country. Pope John Paul II visited Bangladesh in 1986. 

Addressing the press conference, chief coordinator of the executive committee Arch Bishop Sharat Francis Gomes said it’s a matter of great pride and honor for Bangladesh that the pope is coming to the country.

Replying to a question, Catholic Archbishop of Dhaka Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario said the pope may talk about the Rohingya people. “Nationally we can hope that he will talk about the issue as his massage will spread across the world very fast.”

The pope has already appealed for the Rohingya people’s protection several times, he added.

The pope has sent a video massage of greetings for the people of Bangladesh before his arrival.

In the video massage, the pope said, “I come as a minister of Gospel of Jesus Christ, to proclaim its massage of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace.”

“We are living at a time when religious believers and people of good will everywhere are called to foster mutual understanding and respect and to support each other as members of our own human family,” he said adding, “I especially look forward to meeting with the religious leaders in Ramna.”    

After a welcome ceremony at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 30, Pope Francis will pay homage to Bangladesh's martyrs and the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

He will make a courtesy visit to the president and address the diplomatic corps after that.

On December 1, the Pope will address a public mass, meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country's bishops and representatives of various religions and Christian churches.

On December 2, before flying back, the pope will make a private visit to the Tejgaon Mother Theresa House and meet with youths at Notre Dame Collage in the city.
Caritas Bangladesh former Executive Director Alo D’Rozario, among others present at the press conference.

Source: unb