Departure from Madagascar and Telegram to the President of the Republic of Madagascar

This morning, after leaving the apostolic nunciature, the Holy Father Francis transferred by car to Antananarivo Airport where, at 7.20 (6.20 in Rome) he boarded an Air Madagascar B737-800 destined for Mauritius. The plane landed at Port Louis Airport at 10.25 local time (8.25 Rome time).

Immediately after the departure from Antananarivo, the Pope sent the following telegraphic message to the President of the Republic of Madagascar:

HIS EXCELLENCY ANDRY RAJOELINA
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MADAGASCAR
ANTANANARIVO

AS I LEAVE MADAGASCAR TO CONTINUE MY APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO MAURITIUS, I RENEW MY DEEP GRATITUDE TO YOUR EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BELOVED PEOPLE OF MADAGASCAR FOR YOUR WARM WELCOME AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY. INVOKING ABUNDANT DIVINE BLESSINGS UPON ALL OF YOU, I OFFER THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND HARMONY IN THE NATION.

FRANCISCUS PP.