The arrival of Pope Francis in Yangon: the reception of Catholics in celebration (Video)
Pilgrims waited hours to see the pontiff. Ethnic minorities represented the largest and noisiest group. There were many foreigners and a Chinese flag could be seen in the crowd.
From our correspondent
Yangon (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis has arrived in Yangon. The motorcade that accompanied him reached the Archbishop's Residence, greeted by crowds along Aung San Road.
Amid the seeming indifference of the local population, Myanmar Catholics colourfully filled the long road, showing the joy of a small community that meets a pontiff for the first time in its history.
Standing on sidewalks of the long road (pictured), pilgrims waited for the pontiff for hours. When, from a distance, the sound of the convoy's sirens could be heard, they invaded the roadway, with police hard pressed to hold back their enthusiasm.
Amid songs and shouts of joy, Pope Francis's vehicle made its way with difficulty, whilst the bells of St Mary's Cathedral rang out.
Ethnic Kachin, Chin, Karen, Shan, Bamar as well as the Padaung (pictured), a tribe known for wearing neck rings around the neck, appearing to lengthen it, were the largest and noisiest group.
Everyone proudly wore their traditional clothes. Many were people displaced by ethnic conflict in the north of the country, as well as foreigners who came for the occasion. A Chinese flag (pictured) was also visible in the crowd.
After the excited moments of the papal motorcade, the crowd quickly dispersed, with pilgrims going to the parishes hosting them and the chaotic Aung San Road returning to its normal life.
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