PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said there has been no confirmation regarding Pope Francis' visit to Goa for the decennial Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier, although he remains hopeful.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested the Pope... and I have also requested the Centre for Pope's visit to Goa. There is no confirmation yet but I am hopeful," Sawant said after a meeting with Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão about the 45-day long event at Old Goa.
Sawant added that the Exposition will be organized on a grand scale, attracting international tourists and VIP guests and hence the State has requested Centre for Rs 300 crores. "I am sure the government will help us," he added.
The meeting also discussed infrastructure, transportation, guest list, and law and order arrangements in Old Goa and other parts of the State during their period.
"The Exposition occurs once in 10 years, so the preparations have started early. We had a detailed discussion, and the committee has visited the site. This year’s Exposition will be held on a grand scale as it’s not just a national event but an international event with tourists coming from the world over," he added.
Provisions will be made for VIP guests as per protocol, including international dignitaries and archbishops from other States. "International VIP guests will also come along with archbishops from other States," Sawant added.
