Farewell ceremony at “Rafael Núñez” Airport in Cartagena

Telegram to the President of the Republic of Colombia

Farewell ceremony at “Rafael Núñez” Airport in Cartagena

At 18.25 this afternoon, the Holy Father Francis arrived at “Rafael Núñez” Airport in Cartagena, where the farewell ceremony took place prior to his departure from Colombia.

Upon arrival, the Pope was received by the President of the Republic, Juan Manuel Santos Calderón and his wife at the Aerosupport FBO hangar, where a room had been prepared for the brief meeting.

After military honours, the presentation of the respective delegations, and traditional songs and dances, the Holy Father boarded an Avianca B787 bound for Italy.

He is expected to arrive at Rome’s Ciampino airport at 12.40.

Telegram to the President of the Republic of Colombia

Immediately after his departure from Cartagena, the following telegram was sent on behalf of the Holy Father to the President of the Republic of Colombia:

HIS EXCELLENCY JUAN MANUEL SANTOS
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA
BOGOTÁ

RETURNING TO ROME AT THE CONCLUSION OF MY APOSTOLIC VISIT TO COLOMBIA I ONCE AGAIN WISH TO EXPRESS SINCERE THANKSGIVING TO ALMIGHTY GOD FOR THE MANY GRACES RECEIVED OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS. WITH RENEWED GRATITUDE FOR THE HOSPITALITY I HAVE RECEIVED, I ASSURE YOUR EXCELLENCY AND ALL THE BELOVED PEOPLE OF COLOMBIA OF MY CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR THE PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF THE NATION. AS A PLEDGE OF PEACE IN THE LORD I GLADLY INVOKE UPON ALL OF YOU GOD’S ABUNDANT BLESSINGS.