Chile bid farewell to the pope with a short but sweet ceremony including these joyous dances.
Pope Francis departed from the Iquique Airport, where he was accompanied until boarding by the president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet.
With the papal plane about to takeoff, and in an act that is not customary during the pope's send-offs, Bachelet dedicated some kind words to the Holy Father.
MICHELLE BACHELET
President of Chile
“I believe I speak for all the compatriots, apart from their beliefs, when I thank him for his visit to Chile, thank him for his message of continuing to progress as a nation, but in an atmosphere of unity, brotherhood and solidarity.”
Barely an hour and a half later, the papal plane landed in Peru, beginning the second phase of Pope Francis' tour of Latin America.
In Lima, he was received by the president of the country, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, his wife, two children who presented the Holy Father with flowers and the Peruvian bishops.
Later, 21 cannon volleys and military honors were dedicated.
The pope's reception was very musical, and as he greeted authorities, Handel's “Hallelujah” sounded as well as “Que canten los niños” by Spanish composer José Luis Perales.
Later, Pope Francis paraded through the crowded streets of Lima. Thousands of people accompanied him on his journey to the nunciature.
There, the pope wanted to reciprocate the Peruvians' affection by sharing a few words and blessing them.
POPE FRANCIS
“Thank you for coming here, from the bottom of my heart. Now I would like to give all of you – to you, your families, those in your hearts – a blessing.”
Following this warm welcome, the Holy Father made his way into the nunciature for some much-needed rest.
