Morning Catholic must-reads: 06/07/15

Pope Francis has landed in Ecuador at the start of his nine-day visit to Latin America (programme).

Benedict XVI said Mozart helps him experience “very deeply the Lord’s presence” as he received honorary doctorates on Saturday (Teresa Berger).

The decline in Japan’s population is causing “the disappearance of local communities”, Bishop Isao Kikuchi of Niigata has said.

Frank Bajak and Nicole Winfield, Paola Lopez, William Neuman and Ignacio de los Reyes preview the papal visit to Latin America.

Daniel Burke says “men from Asia, Latin America and Africa now comprise nearly 40 per cent” of the College of Cardinals.

Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney describes seeing his 81-year-old father climb the Scala Sancta on his knees.

And Francis will meet a 91-year-old friend for the first time in decades during his visit to Ecuador.

Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.

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