Pope John Paul II began his historic three-day visit to Jamaica on August 9, 1993, marking the first ever papal visit to the country. Upon his arrival at Norman Manley International Airport, the Pope kissed the soil in a traditional gesture, as a small but enthusiastic crowd of Roman Catholics welcomed him with music, hymns, and a 21-gun salute.

Published Tuesday August 10, 1993

Historic Papal visit begins

Catholics rejoicing

By Eulalee Thompson: Gleaner Staff Reporter

WITH the traditional kiss of the soil, the spiritual leader of the world's 900 million Roman Catholic, Pope John Paul II, began his historic three-day visit in Jamaica yesterday, August 9, 1993.

The Ahtalia 747 airliner carrying the Pope, his entourage and about 60 pressmen, touched down at the Norman Manley International Airport at exactly 4:30 p.m., flying the Jamaican flag and the Pope's emblem.

A small crowd of Roman Catholic faithful were in the waving gallery of the airport to welcome the Pope. They played music, sang hymns, and the 21-gun salute was greeted with cheers and vigorous waving of souvenir flags with the emblem of Pope John Paul II.

"We feel great, we are filled with great expectation just like the homecoming of a long-lost relative. We expect him to bring peace and to unite Jamaica," said parishioners of the Christ the King Roman Catholic Church of August Town.

Regional unity

This group or parishioners, along with a few priests and nuns, were on the waving gallery to welcome the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church on the first ever papal visit to this country.

The Pope was met on arrival by Governor General Sir Howard Cooke, Prime Minister PJ Patterson, members of the Cabinet, the Opposition and members of the diplomatic corps.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour and meeting dignitaries, the Pope told the gathering that the immediate future of Jamaica is closely linked to the efforts being made throughout the Caribbean to increase regional unity.

Hundreds of Jamaicans, some on their way home from work, others just curious onlookers, lined the roads leading from the airport hoping to catch a glimpse of the Pontiff. While parishioners of the St Benedict’s Church in Harbour View and the Holy Rosary Church on Windward Road created a carnival atmosphere by playing music and singing hymns, some used the occasion to hurl abuses at the Pope.

"I pray that greater integration will help the peoples of these island nations to face the many challenges before them," the Pope said at the airport. "The Church, far her part, looks favourably on everything that increases understanding and cooperation among countries".

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