Pope Francis Arrives In Sri Lanka For 'Mission Of Mercy'

Pope Francis has called for respect for human rights, inclusivity, and
the "pursuit of truth" as he arrived in Sri Lanka to begin a six-day
Asian tour.

The pontiff, who will later travel to the Philippines, plans to
celebrate open-air masses during his trip.

It is the first papal visit to Sri Lanka since the end of a 26-year
civil war in 2009.

The country's new president has promised an end to growing repression
of religious minorities.

Speaking on the tarmac of Colombo's international airport shortly
after he landed, the Pope said that peace could be found by
"cultivating those virtues which foster reconciliation, solidarity and
peace".

All along the 20km highway leading up to the airport crowds have
gathered on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis.

Some have opened up umbrellas, a few elderly have brought portable
seats along as they wait under the hot Colombo sun.

Lalith and Therese Fernando, a couple from Chilau that is nearly 100
km (60 miles) from here, took a train at 05:00 this morning to be
here."It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," Lalith tells me.

Rebuilding Sri Lanka was more than just improving infrastructure, he
said, "but also, and even more importantly, promoting human dignity,
respect for human rights, and the full inclusion of each member of
society".

He also said that the "pursuit of truth" was important, "not for the
sake of opening old wounds, but rather as a necessary means of
promoting justice, healing and unity".

It is the second Asia tour for Pope Francis in less than six months

A brutal decades-long civil war ended in 2009 when the army defeated
separatist minority Tamil rebels. The United Nations said both sides
committed atrocities against civilians.

The government consistently denied allegations that it was responsible
for the deaths of many thousands of civilians in the final phase of
that war. Last year the UN approved an inquiry into alleged war
crimes.

Just over 7% of Sri Lanka's population are Christian, mostly Catholic
- but they include both Sinhalese and Tamils. Around 70% of Sri
Lankans are Buddhist, with 13% Hindus and 10% Muslims.

During the last papal visit 20 years ago, Pope John Paul II was
boycotted by Buddhist leaders. But on this visit, the Pope is expected
to hold a multi-faith prayer meeting which should include moderate
Buddhist representatives.

The BBC's religious affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt says Buddhist
fundamentalism has grown as a force in Sri Lanka since the last papal
visit, with some waging a violent campaign against Muslims on the
island.

Pope Francis wants to encourage the local church to seek partners in
peace, so that all religions can stand united against any further
violence or intimidation by religious extremists, says our
correspondent.

It is a time of significant change in Sri Lanka, where Maithripala
Sirisena took office as president on Friday.

He ended the decade-long rule of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a
period which critics said had been marred by increasing corruption and
authoritarianism.

Travelling with the Pope: Caroline Wyatt, BBC Religious Affairs Correspondent

Suddenly, Pope Francis is in front of me, looking at me, and I
introduce myself in faltering Italian.

He is a commanding presence, and utterly unfazed by being filmed by so
many cameras surrounding him. It must be something you get used to as
pontiff.

What does he expect from this trip, I ask him. He bends down closer to
offer an ear as he tries to decipher my appalling accent, and gives a
big smile - "we'll see", he says, raising an eyebrow, and then
"onwards!"

He gives my arm a warm pat as he goes on to the next row, never
hurrying, but spending just long enough to make as many people on the
plane feel they have had their time close-up with the Pope.

The Pope's trip, which comes five months after a tour of South Korea,
is being seen as an attempt to win new followers in Asia and to shore
up support for the region's millions of Catholics.

In the Philippines organisers are expecting one of the biggest crowds
ever for a papal visit when Pope Francis conducts an open-air mass in
the capital Manila.

Church officials say his visit to the archipelago nation will focus on
"mercy and compassion" following a deadly 2013 typhoon, reports the
AFP news agency.
--BBC