This is the official logo for the July 5-8 visit of Pope Francis to Ecuador. The pope will also visit Bolivia and Paraguay during his July 5-13 trip to Latin America. (CNS photo)
This is the official logo for the July 5-8 visit of Pope Francis to Ecuador. The pope will also visit Bolivia and Paraguay during his July 5-13 trip to Latin America. (CNS photo)

Like many in the U.S., Pope Francis is traveling during this Fourth of July weekend. His journey is just beginning though.

Pope Francis’ trip to three Latin American countries will “put him in touch with his Jesuit roots” and include time with people often on the margins of society. The Catholic Sun, via Catholic News Service, reported on his itinerary when the Vatican released it nearly two months ago.

He departs Rome at midnight for us here in the Diocese of Phoenix. South Americans in Ecuador will greet him first — and hopefully some Xavier College Preparatory students who are there for service work — followed by Bolivia and Paraguay.

Ecuadoreans are ready. Ramon Guato, a well-known sculptor of religious figures in that country, prepared about 2,000 figures to be sold at Catholic libraries ahead of the papal trip. The vendors are out and the welcome poster is up.

Want to follow Pope Francis on his apostolic journey? Here are some suggestions:

  • @cnalive has reporters in Ecuador too.
  • This is the official logo for the July 10-12 visit of Pope Francis to Paraguay. (CNS photo)
    This is the official logo for the July 10-12 visit of Pope Francis to Paraguay. (CNS photo)

    @PapaEnBolivia might be worth a follow too, if you understand Spanish to a certain degree.

  • CNS’ Rhina sent out the first #popeinparaguay Tweet today. It gives you a peek at the altar and what it’s made of. Pope Francis will celebrate Mass outside the Caacupe Marian shrine in Paraguay July 11 and in the field at Nu Guazu Park July 12.