This is one of the biggest gathering witnessed by the Sri Lankans. Thousands of people gathered as the Pope canonized the island's first saint. The people in the country are mostly Buddhist and only about 10% are Christians; 7% of Sri Lanka's population are Catholics.

Joseph Vaz, a missionary in the 17th century, went to India in disguise to help the
Catholics that were persecuted by the Dutch. He worked for years under the protection of a Buddhist king.

Pope Francis also calls for truth and unity after up to five years of brutal civil war.
Pope Francis, speaking slowly in English, said Christians should follow the example of Vaz to build peace, justice and reconciliation.
Many came to be blessed by the Pope

SOURCE: http://emekaani..com/2015/01/pope-francis-canonizes-sri-lankas-first.html