'Pope coming with message of peace'

The committee, formed marking the 3-day visit of the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic Church, made the remarks on Tuesday.

The committee held a press conference organised on Tuesday at city's Archbishop House on Kakrail Road in Ramna area to reveal some information about the visit.

Chief coordinator of the committee Arch Bishop Sharat Francis Gomes said it's a matter of great pride and honour for Bangladesh that the pope is coming to the country.

Catholic Archbishop of Dhaka Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario said the pope may talk about the Rohingya people.

"Nationally we can hope that he will talk about the issue as his massage will spread across the world very fast," said Patrick D'Rozario.

The pope has already appealed for the Rohingya people's protection several times, he added.

The pope has sent a video massage of greetings for the people of Bangladesh before his arrival.

In the video massage, the pope said, "I come as a minister of Gospel of Jesus Christ, to proclaim its massage of reconcilliation, forgiveness and peace."

The pope will also visit Myanmar before coming to Bangladesh from November 27-30.

The visit to Myanmar will be the first by any pope to the country. Pope John Paul II visited Bangladesh in 1986.

After a welcome ceremony at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 30, Pope Francis will pay homage to Bangladesh's martyrs and the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

According to UNB, He will make a courtesy visit to the president and address the diplomatic corps after that.

On December 1, the Pope will address a public mass, meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country's bishops and representatives of various religions and Christian churches.

On December 2, before flying back, the pope will make a private visit to the Tejgaon Mother Theresa House and meet with youths at Notre Dame Collage in the city.

Caritas Bangladesh former Executive Director Alo D'Rozario, among others present at the press conference.