{UAH} Millions continue to applaud the Pope in Ecuador

Millions of Ecuadorians have again cheered the Pope on the second day of his visit

in their country. Early in the morning he travelled to Quito International Airport to take

a plane to the coastal town of Guayaquil. Over a million or two were massed along the

streets to give another cheerful welcome to the Pope. On his arrival in Guayaquil several

hundred thousand people had also lined the streets to cheer him on his way to the Holy Shrine

of Divine Mercy where he celebrated Mass before more than one million people. Many people had slept

along the streets and others at the Shrine! And thousands of others walked dozens of kilometres to reach

the Shrine. Mass was very warmly  enjoyable to the vast congregation who managed to bear the 30°C from

a scorching sun that dominated part of the day's calendar!

In his homily, which the Pope centred on family, he noted that the family was the most natural nearest hospital where

every member was made to feel at home and cared for, adding that it was a real richness to all. He advised the vast crowd to protect the

family values as they are strictly necessary to society.

There were 2,000 invited guests at Mass, among whom many sick and lame.

Several faithful, when interviewed, drew a very close similarity between this Pope and Christ! To many he resembled Jesus in many ways !

After Mass the pope was conducted to a nearby Jesuit college for lunch. After which, cruising the way to the airport, he was cheered by an

estimated one million people all along the streets. On arrival back in Quito hundreds of thousands of people were already on the street to cheer him on his way to the Papal Nuncio's residence. After a brief rest he was driven to the Presidential Palace to  meet and talk to President Rafael Correa.

The streets were still peopled by hundreds of thousands of Ecuadorians who gave the Pope a very exciting welcome art the presidential palace

where thousands of invited guests had already taken their places, and hundreds of journalists and cameramen were ready  for him.

The president took him around and then the two men went into a special presidential office for talks on many issues. Later the President introduced

his family to the Pope, after which he led him in a vast assembly hall where he introduced many dignitaries to the Pope. Throughout, ululations, etc

characterized the Pope's passage in every corner he was led to in the presidential palace. From there he walked on foot to join the great Cathedral of Quito

which wasn't far from the Presidential Palace. Throughtout  the pope was madly cheered by the vast crowds. He entered the fully packed cathedral

among tumultuous ululations from the thousands of people who had squeezed in the vast edifice. Hundreds of journalists and cameramen were again

on show for their intent to record the event for posterity.Several bishops and top monsignors took the Pope around the Cathedral. At one point he knelt down and prayed in silence. At the end he blessed the congregation after reciting a hail Mary with the faithful. He wished them a good-night and moved

away to be driven to the Apostolic Nunciature, some 40 kilometres away, cheered throughout by hundreds of thousands of curious people!!!

Tuesday, in Quito, he will meet all bishops of Ecuador, then celebrate mass in the grand park before two to three million people, then he will entertain

with academicians at the Pontifical Academy of Quito before visiting a Jesuit centre.

Dr G.H. Kkolokolo ( Paris / France )