Pope Francis travels to Panama to participate in the first World Youth Day held in Central America.
The event has triggered an unusual enthusiasm in the region, and it is expected to be a particularly hot trip.
WHEN DOES THE POPE ARRIVE IN PANAMA?
Pope Francis leaves Rome on Wednesday, January 23 at 9:30 a.m. He will land after a 13-hour trip, around 4:30 p.m. Panama time.
He will be in Panama until Sunday afternoon, Jan. 27 and then he will make the long journey back to Rome to arrive on Monday at noon.
While in Panama, he will be transported in a popemobile built in by locals there.
TRAVEL FIGURES
It is Pope Francis' 26th trip, and he's already visited 40 countries.
This will be the 14th WYD, Pope Francis' third and the first one in Central America.
In Panama, there will be around 250,000 pilgrims from 155 countries, including China and Cuba.
There will be 37,000 volunteers working tirelessly, and about 3,000 journalists covering the event.
This WYD cost $54 million, which have been paid with money from pilgrims and donations from sponsors.
The country is expecting a $250 million benefit, apart from the great tourist impact in Central America.
WHAT DO I NEED TO WATCH?
The most impressive moments will be the pope's multitudinous meetings. The last one, on Sunday, is in an area called 'Metro Park.' There the pope will announce where WYD will be in 2022.
Pope Francis will also pray the Way of the Cross in the spectacular Cinta Costera of Panama, among its spectacular skyscrapers.
In addition, the pope is going to visit a juvenile prison. There he will hear confessions of several young people and will greet the prisoners who built the confessionals.
He will also visit a center where the Church cares for AIDS patients without resources. It is called the Casa Hogar Buen Samaritano Foundation.
As a religious event, the pope will consecrate the spectacular cathedral of Santa María la Antigua.
SPECIAL GUESTS
The organizers have dedicated WYD to the Blessed Mother. That's why, this original size image will travel from Fatima, even though it has not left Portugal since 2000.
The closing Mass will also be attended by presidents of some countries of the region such as Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
The president of Portugal and the first lady of Poland will also be there.
