The stunningly realistic life-size statue of Pope Francis will greet his Holiness on his visit to Thailand.<br /><br />Devotees have installed the sculpture outside the St Louis Hospital, in Bangkok, which the Pope will visit on Thursday (November 21) afternoon.<br /><br />This morning, one devotee was seen posing for a selfie with His Holiness, who is striking a friendly pose while waving.<br /><br />The Pope is due to arrive in Thailand on Wednesday (November 20) afternoon before leaving on Saturday (November 23) for Tokyon, Japan.<br /><br />The Pontiff’s visit is the second time a pope has visited Thailand, following the 1984 visit of Pope John Paul II.<br /><br />Deputy secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand said the visit is a pilgrimage of peace.<br /><br />Monseigneur Wissanu Thanya-anan said the visit is not just for Thai Catholics but for people of all religions. <br /><br />He said: ''Pope Francis is a bridge-builder, a prophet who is a bearer of an auspicious message to all.''
