The pope's first meeting was with the president of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, and his wife, in the presidential palace.
Before the private meeting, Pope Francis went out to the balcony of the palace to greet the pilgrims.
The meeting lasted about 20 minutes. Pope Francis received cheers and songs as he greeted more pilgrims who were waiting for him outside.
At the Bolivar Palace, before the rest of the country's authorities, the Panamanian president addressed these words of welcome to the pope.
JUAN CARLOS VARELA
President of Panama
“Our people in unity open their doors and their hearts to receive His Holiness and the thousands of pilgrims who have come from the five continents to accompany him.”
In his speech, the pope addressed Panama and all of Latin America. He said everyone have to build a culture that stops corruption, that is transparent; and that allows young people to dream of a dignified future.
POPE FRANCIS
“Another world is possible! We know this and young people urge us to take our part in building it, so that our dreams do not remain ephemeral or ethereal.” “The right to the future is also a human right.”
The pope also called upon all parts of society, not just politicians, to get involved in building an honest, just and prosperous country.
At the end Pope Francis stopped to greet, talk and take selfies with those present before leaving the palace.
