Pope Francis starts 6-day Asian tour, arrives in Sri Lanka

PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Francis has called for respect for human rights, inclusivity, and the "pursuit of truth" as he started a six-day Asian tour in Sri Lanka, BBC News reports.

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 four-decade 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".

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".

Sri Lanka has seen strife between the minority Tamils and the majority Sinhalese. The separatist rebels of the Tamil Tigers fought for decades for independence, citing discrimination by the government, and the civil war ended in 2009. The United Nations said both sides committed atrocities against civilians.

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

At the airport Pope Francis has been received by the country's new President Maithripala Sirisena.

Just under 10% of Sri Lanka's population are 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 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. Before departing on Monday, he said the visit reflected his "pastoral concern" for the people of the region.

In the Philippines organizers 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