Farewell ceremony at Maputo Airport, Mozambique

Telegram to the President of Mozambique

Farewell ceremony at Maputo Airport, Mozambique

This morning, at 12.05, the Holy Father Francis arrived at Maputo Airport, where the farewell ceremony at the conclusion of his trip to Mozambique took place in a sheltered area of the presidential pavilion, due to adverse weather conditions.

Upon arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the President of the Republic, Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, and his wife, at the entrance of the Presidential Lounge. After the greeting to the bishops of Mozambique and the presentation of the delegations, the Pope took leave of the President of the Republic and his wife, and boarded a LAM B737-752 destined for Madagascar.

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father departed from Maputo Airport at 12.45, and is expected to arrive at Antananarivo at 16.50.

Telegram to the President of the Republic of Mozambique

Immediately after his departure from Maputo Airport, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegram to the President of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi:

HIS EXCELLENCY FILIPE NYUSI

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE

MAPUTO

AS I DEPART FROM MOZAMBIQUE TO CONTINUE MY APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO MADAGASCAR AND MAURITIUS, I ONCE MORE EXPRESS MY DEEP APPRECIATION TO YOUR EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BELOVED PEOPLE OF MOZAMBIQUE FOR YOUR WARM WELCOME AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY. WITH THE RENEWED ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND HARMONY IN THE NATION, I INVOKE ABUNDANT DIVINE BLESSINGS UPON ALL OF YOU.

FRANCISCUS PP.