LA PAZ, Bolivia — Pope Francis arrived in Bolivia on Wednesday on the second leg of his South American tour and insisted that the Catholic Church continue to play an important role in society amid efforts by the government of President Evo Morales to curb its influence.
La Paz is at 13,120 feet above sea level, and the Vatican decided to keep the pope’s stay to just four hours to limit any problems for the pontiff, 78, who has only one full lung.
At an airport welcome ceremony with Morales by his side, Francis recalled that the Catholic faith took “deep root” in Bolivia centuries ago “and has continued to shed its light upon society, contributing to the development of the nation and shaping its culture.”
The pope was traveling next to Santa Cruz de la Sierra before departing for Asunción in Paraguay on Friday.
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