After five months of crossing, the French university students between 20 and 28 years of age arrived aboard the House of Mary, Estran and Exulted to take part in the activities that will take place from January 22 to 27, on the occasion of the most important event of Catholic youth.

The visit of Pope Francis, who will arrive in Panama on January 23 to attend the religious event, generates interest and much expectation throughout Central America, since John Paul II was so far the only pontiff who traveled to the region in 1983 and 1996.

During his stay until January 27, Pope Francis will say outdoor masses, visit detention centers and foster homes, among other activities, in which he will call for more opportunities for Central American youth.

According to organizers, Panama expects at least 250,000 pilgrims from 155 nations, to which about 3,000 journalists will be added to cover the event.

It is worth noting that yesterday the prosecutor Julio Villarreal warned that those who commit robberies against pilgrims who will attend the WYD, could face sentences of up to 18 years in prison, while the law provides aggravating circumstances for crimes against the economic heritage of tourists.