Church leaders in Thailand described the apostolic visit of Pope Francis to the predominantly Buddhist kingdom as "a joyous occasion" for the faithful.
Thai Catholics, who represent only about 0.58 percent of the total population, are celebrating this year the 350th anniversary of the Catholic Church in the country.
Bishop Vira Arpondratana, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand, said the pope's pastoral visit is "in his culture to strengthen the universal brotherhood."
The prelate invited Catholics "to unite in prayer for Pope Francis" and unite in various ministries that the pontiff will embark during his visit to Thailand.
Thousands of people, including tourists from neighboring countries, are expected to attend the pope's mass that will be celebrated at the National Stadium in the capital Bangkok on Nov. 21.
The pope is expected to speak on inter-religious dialogue, the environment, and on the displacement of people due to conflicts in the region during his visit.
Father Joseph Anucha Chaiyadej, director of the church's social communications office in Thailand, said the pope is expected to talk about peace with leaders of other faiths in the country.
"The primary message of Pope Francis during this apostolic visit is tolerance and unity between people of different religious beliefs," said Monsignor Vissanu Thanya-anan, deputy secretary general of the bishops' conference.
The church official, however, noted that the pontiff "constantly carries the message of care for human dignity and the protection of the environment" in his speeches.
Since his encyclical on the environment, Laudato si', Pope Francis has repeatedly asked for the protection of "our common home" from climate change and pollution.
The pope is also expected to address the issue of refugees in Thailand and the Rohingya people in Myanmar.
The Church in Thailand has been active in providing humanitarian assistance for those who fled persecution in countries like Vietnam and Cambodia in the past and Pakistan and Myanmar in recent years.
"The Catholic Church is very clear about protecting human dignity above all," said Monsignor Thanya-anan.
He said that while the church does not get involved in "sensitive political matters," it actively gets involved in humanitarian assistance for refugees and stateless people.
Security has been tight when Pope Francis arrived in Bangkok shortly before noon of Nov. 20.
Authorities said about 6,500 police officers are being in Bangkok and nearby Nakhon Pathom province for the duration of the papal visit.
Several roads will be closed to traffic and security in various areas will be closely monitored, especially around the venues of the pope's activities.
Joe Torres
