The pope is being kept abreast of developments in Caracas, and was praying for the people of Venezuela, Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said. Speaking from Panama in Central America -- the hub for US-bound migrants -- Francis said migrants were simply seeking "the minimum conditions for a better future." The Argentine pope was addressing Central American bishops on the first day of his visit for a global gathering of young Catholics for World Youth Day. He returned to the theme in his speech to bishops at the nearby 17th Century St Francis of Assisi Church. In the early evening, tens of thousands of young people gave the pope a rock-star welcome to the Catholic jamboree at a palm-fringed park overlooking Panama Bay.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 25, 2019 02:36 UTC