"He's amazing. When we first got there he was so excited to see us. He's been so hospitable to us, it's unbelievable," she said.
Many pilgrims noted that the general mood among the locals seems to be one of joy to have so many young people in their country. Plocinik said even when their delegation walked through a much poorer part of town, the welcome they received was no less graceful.
"Everywhere we go, the Panamanian people are beeping their horns, they're reaching out to people giving them high fives," he said.
"The culture here has just been absolutely phenomenal…everywhere we go, we get encouraged by the people."
Christian de la Cruz, an 18-year-old Panamanian pilgrim, told CNA that his delegation, which is mainly made up of other Panama residents, has taken several pilgrims from Venezuela into their group as well.
"They feel like Panamanians…they sing our songs, we all interact, it's all good," he said.
De la Cruz said he wants to encourage the pilgrims coming from other countries, partly because being a pilgrim is not easy.
"We also try to cheer for other countries," he said.
"It's hard to walk, to be a pilgrim. It is hard. And if it is hard for us, and we are in our country, imagine how hard it is for people who travel and spend money, saving money to come here."
He said he is looking forward to meeting more people and welcoming them to his country.
"I [make] good memories for me by giving good memories to others," he said.
(Story continues below)
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The 15th international World Youth Day continues until Jan. 27 in Panama City.
Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. He is based in St. Louis.