Farewell ceremony at the Monte Real Air Base
Early this afternoon, after leaving the “Nossa Senhora do Carmo” House in Fátima, the Holy Father Francis transferred by car to the Monte Real Air Base where the farewell ceremony took place.
Upon arrival the Holy Father was received by the President of the Republic of Portugal, Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa, in the control tower building. Around seven hundred faithful were present at the farewell ceremony.
The Holy Father boarded an A320/TAP which left at around 15.00, expected to arrive at Rome’s Ciampino airport around three hours later.
Telegram to the President of the Republic of Portugal
Immediately after departure from Monte Real, the Pope sent the following telegram to the President of the Republic of Portugal:
HIS EXCELLENCY MARCELO REBELO DE SOUSA
PRESIDENT OF THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC
LISBON
AS I LEAVE PORTUGAL, I WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEP GRATITUDE TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AND TO ALL THE BELOVED PORTUGUESE 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.
Telegrams to Heads of State
On his flight from Portugal to Rome, during which he passed over Spain, France and Italy, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegrams to the respective Heads of State:
Spain
HIS MAJESTY KING FELIPE VI
KINGDOM OF SPAIN
MADRID
AS I RETURN FROM MY PASTORAL VISIT TO PORTUGAL, I WISH TO RENEW TO YOUR MAJESTY AND THE BELOVED SPANISH PEOPLE THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES FOR YOU ALL.
FRANCISCUS PP.
France
HIS EXCELLENCY FRANÇOIS HOLLANDE
PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
PARIS
AS I RETURN FROM MY PASTORAL VISIT TO PORTUGAL, I WISH TO RENEW TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AND YOUR FELLOW CITIZENS THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES FOR FRANCE AND ALL ITS PEOPLE.
FRANCISCUS PP.
Italy
HIS EXCELLENCY
HON. SERGIO MATTARELLA
PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC
PALAZZO DEL QUIRINALE
O0187 ROMA
Upon returning form Portugal, where I was able to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fatima, also meeting with sick people from various countries including a significant representation of the dear Italian people, I express to you, Mr. President, my cordial greeting and, as I remember with
AL RIENTRO DAL PORTOGALLO DOVE HO POTUTO COMPIERE UN PELLEGRINAGGIO AL SANTUARIO DI FATIMA INCONTRANDO ANCHE MALATI DI VARI PAESI TRA CUI UNA COSPICUA RAPPRESENTANZA DEL CARO POPOLO ITALIANO ESPRIMO A LEI SIGNOR PRESIDENTE IL MIO CORDIALE SALUTO E MENTRE RICORDO CON VIVA RICONOSCENZA AL SIGNORE QUESTA SIGNIFICATIVA ESPERIENZA SPIRITUALE PENSO CON GRATITUDINE A COLORO CHE ANCHE IN ITALIA CON LA LORO PROFESSIONALITA’ E DEDIZIONE RENDONO UN PREZIOSO SERVIZIO AI MALATI E AI SOFFERENTI. CON TALI SENTIMENTI ASSICURO UNA SPECIALE PREGHIERA PER IL BENE E LA CONCORDIA DELLA DILETTA NAZIONE ITALIANA ALLA QUALE IMPARTO LA MIA BENEDIZIONE
FRANCISCUS PP.
