Panama: Pope Francis to visit Panama City January 23-27

Event

Pope Francis will travel to Panama from Wednesday, January 23, to Sunday, January 27, during World Youth Day events. He will land at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City at 16:30 (local time) on January 23 and is expected to be welcomed by 2000 people. Pope Francis will then be transported to the nunciature of Panama City where he will reside during his trip. On Thursday, January 24, over 100,000 people are expected to gather around 17:30 in the Campo Santa Maria La Antigua (located on Cinta Costera 1) for a speech. On the morning of Friday, January 25, the pope is expected to meet with inmates from the Las Garzas juvenile detention center in Pacora. At 17:30 on the same day, he will participate in the Way of the Cross ceremony in Santa Maria la Antigua field. Thousands of people are expected to attend the event.

On Saturday, January 26, the pope will celebrate mass at 09:15 at the Basilica Cathedral and will attend a prayer ceremony at 18:30 on St John Paul II Field (Campo San Juan Pablo II or Metro Park). Mass will be also celebrated in the same location at 08:00 on Sunday morning. According to the organizers, around 500,000 people are expected to attend both events. The pope is scheduled to leave the country at 18:15 on Sunday after a farewell ceremony at Tocumen International Airport. Heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are to be anticipated ahead of and during the visit.

Context

World Youth Day is organized by the Catholic church and welcomes Catholic youth from all over the world. It usually involves large events, ceremonies, and gatherings around and inside the host city.

Advice

Individuals in Panama should anticipate increased security measures throughout Panama, particularly in Panama City, as well as localized transportation disruptions during the pope's visit.