The 53rd International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador began in a very striking way: with 1,600 children making their First Communion.
More than 20,000 people from all over the world came to the Bicentennial Park in the capital city to participate.
Pope Francis also delivered a video message before setting out on his trip to Oceania and Asia.
POPE FRANCIS
I am happy to be able to participate, albeit from a distance, in this International Eucharistic Congress, which is being held in the city of San Francisco de Quito.
Altogether, there are more than 50 delegations from around the world present in Ecuador. Some, like the delegation from Australia, have traveled a long way to be here.
The journey was incredible. We are such a far, far distance from this place, but I knew in my heart that it was worth taking that journey. And I know I'm going to get so much from it.
It's long, tiresome, but at the same time, we've got a wonderful group of people we're traveling with through Mexico as well, Our Lady of Guadalupe. It's been a wonderful experience just traveling together, getting tired together, getting excited together. And just the whole joy of that group has been wonderful.
Throughout the week, participants will pray alongside other Church representatives from around the world. They will reflect on the value of the Eucharist today and also discuss present-day world challenges: from migration to war. The Vatican will be present with representatives or envoys from different departments: from the Dicastery for Evangelization to the Pontifical Council for Latin America and the Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.
JRB
TR: KG