Pope Francis has highlighted the need for “justice, healing and unity” in Sri Lanka, where he arrived Tuesday for the start of a week-long trip to Asia.

The pope spoke at the international airport in Colombo, saying Sri Lanka needs to pursue the truth of what happened during its long civil war, and that rebuilding must include a respect for human rights and “the full inclusion of each member of society.”

The visit to Asia is the pope’s second to the region since beginning his papacy, and is part of the Church’s outreach to developing nations.

While in Sri Lanka, Pope Francis will canonize Sri Lanka’s first saint, Joseph Vaz.  Vaz is a 17th century missionary credited with reviving the Catholic faith during a time of persecution by Dutch Calvinists.

On Thursday, the pope will travel to the Philippines, Asia’s only majority Roman Catholic nation.  Millions of people are expected to attend an outdoor Mass given by Pope Francis.

The trip to the Philippines comes 20 years after the last papal visit to the country, by John Paul II.

While in the Philippines, Pope Francis will also meet with victims of the devastating 2013 Typhoon Haiyan.

The Vatican says the pope will speak throughout his Asia trip on themes of the environment, poverty and family.
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