At the invitation of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Pope Francis, who has been in Yangon on an official friendly visit, was welcomed with a Guard of Honour by President U Htin Kyaw yesterday evening at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw.

Pope Francis arrived at the Presidential Palace at 3:45 pm and was cordially welcomed by the President.

Afterwards, the President and Pope Francis received the salute from the Guard of Honour. Then the President greeted Pope Francis along with members present at the ceremony. Present at the welcoming party were Union Ministers Lt General Kyaw Swe, Dr Pe Myint, Thura U Aung Ko, U Thant Sin Maung, Dr Myint Htwe, U Kyaw Win, U Kyaw Tin, Myanmar Ambassador to Vatican City State U San Lwin and responsible officials. After the welcome ceremony, Pope Francis signed the Special Guest Record Book and posed for documentary photos with the President. Following the ceremony, President U Htin Kyaw and Pope Francis met in the lounge for envoys of the Presidential Palace.

—Myanmar News Agency/Global New light of Myanmar