(ANSA) - Vatican City, January 23 - Pope Francis left Rome's
Fiumicino airport Wednesday morning on his first international
trip of 2019 and the 26th of his pontificate, heading to Panama
where he will participate in the 34th World Youth Day.
He is scheduled to arrive at Tocumen airport in Panama City
at 16:30 local time on Wednesday, where he will be greeted by
President Juan Carlos Varela.
The pontiff will remain in Panama through Sunday, January 27.
"I am leaving for the World Youth Day in Panama. I ask you to
pray for this very beautiful and important event on the path of
the Church," Pope Francis tweeted on Wednesday.
Pope heads for World Youth Day in Panama
Francis starts 26th international trip of his pontificate