Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
El Alto (Agenzia Fides) - "The people of El Alto received the Pope with joy" said the Bishop of El Alto, His Exc. Mgr. Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Bolivia, who defined Wednesday, July 8, the day of "celebration" and "great joy" for the arrival of Pope Francis in Bolivia.
The Bolivian population, especially the simple people, are accustomed to waiting long. The people received the Pope "standing" because it was an important occasion, because everybody wanted to listen to him.
"For me it is a moment of great joy, because I was there at the time of the arrival of John Paul II and today I had the pleasure of receiving the second visit of a Pontiff in Bolivia", said Mgr. Scarpellini in note sent to Fides by the PMS. The Bishop emphasized the enthusiasm and good behavior and discipline of the people, not only of El Alto but also of those from the provinces within the country and abroad. Although the meeting was scheduled for after 4:15pm, people were already waiting since dawn. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 09/07/2015)
