Farewell ceremony in the international airport of Cairo

At 16.45 this afternoon, in the international airport of Cairo, a farewell ceremony was held for the Holy Father’s departure from Egypt. It was attended by the President of the Republic of Egypt, Abdel-Fattah Al-Sìsi and a guard of honour.

The Pope boarded an Alitalia A321 which departed for Italy at 17.00.

The aircraft is expected to land in Rome at 20.30.

Telegram to the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Immediately after boarding the aircraft in Cairo, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegram to the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sìsi:

HIS EXCELLENCY ABDEL FATTAH AL SISI

PRESIDENT OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT

CAIRO

AS I LEAVE EGYPT, I WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEP GRATITUDE TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AND TO ALL THE BELOVED EGYPTIAN PEOPLE FOR YOUR WARM WELCOME AND HOSPITALITY. WITH THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS, I INVOKE UPON THE NATION THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND JOY.

FRANCISCUS PP.