Pope Francis starts 6-day Asian tour, arrives in Sri LankaJanuary 13, 2015 - 10:14 AMT 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 Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |