(ANSA) - Rome, November 20 - Pope Francis on Wednesday landed
in Bangkok at midnight local time, for the first leg of his
apostolic journey to Asia, which will also take him to Japan.
The pontiff will remain Thailand until November 23 and then
visit Japan through November 26 during his 32nd apostolic
journey.
Thailand is the 50th country visited by the pope since the
start of his pontificate.
Francis was welcomed at the airport by representatives of
institutions, the apostolic nuncio of Thailand and the country's
bishops, as well as a group of children in traditional costumes.
The pontiff was then scheduled to visit the nunciature.
Pope Francis is expected to meet top officials and address
authorities on Thursday.
The pope was also greeted at the airport by a cousin, sister
Ana Rosa Sivori, an Argentine Salesian and a missionary in
Thailand for over 50 years.
She will be acting as the pope's interpreter during the trip.
Pope arrives in Thailand
Francis welcomed by authorities, bishops, his nun cousin