Pope Francis arrives in South America, ready to focus on climate change and the poor

On Sunday, Pope Francis arrived in Ecuador, the first stop on his tour of South America that will include visits to Bolivia and Paraguay.

The pontiff, born in Argentina, is visiting three of the poorest and smallest countries on the continent just weeks after releasing his encyclical calling on leaders to hear "the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor" due to climate change. "From the peak of Chimborazo to the Pacific coast, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galapagos Islands, may you never lose the ability to thank God for what he has done and is doing for you," he said upon his arrival. "May you never lose the ability to protect what is small and simple, to care for your children and your elderly, to have confidence in the young, and to be constantly struck by the nobility of your people and the singular beauty of your country."

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets as Pope Francis made his way to Quito, Reuters reports, with many waving flags featuring his picture and others throwing gifts. On Monday, he will deliver a mass in the coastal city of Guayaquil, and on Wednesday, he will fly to Bolivia to visit the Palmasola prison and is expected to speak up for the rights of indigenous people. While in Paraguay, the pope will meet with several social activists.

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