PUERTO MALDONADO, Peru — The Latest on Pope Francis’ visit to Peru (all times local):5:40 p.m. He said the tire started losing air a few miles (kilometres) from the presidential palace, where Francis was due to meet with Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. The president of the Amazon’s largest indigenous organization is praising Pope Francis’ call to protect the fragile ecosystem and recognize its native peoples. In his speech Francis called the Amazon the “heart of the church” and demanded an end to relentless exploitation of timber, gas and gold. He tells Pope Francis that native peoples are worried about the Amazon as trees disappear, fish die and rivers become contaminated.

Source: National Post January 19, 2018 16:11 UTC