Farewell ceremony in Antananarivo Airport, Madagascar

Telegram to the President of the Republic of Madagascar

Farewell ceremony in Antananarivo Airport, Madagascar

This morning, after celebrating Holy Mass in private, the Pope took leave of the apostolic nunciature in Antananarivo. Then, after greeting the staff of the residence, the benefactors, friends of the Pontifical Representation and around a dozen poor elderly women representing the people assisted every Friday by the nunciature, he transferred by car to Antananarivo Airport for the farewell ceremony.

Upon arrival at 8.50 local time (7.50 in Rome), the Holy Father was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Madagascar, Mr. Andry Rajoelina, and his wife, at the entrance to the Presidential Pavilion, where they spoke briefly. As he left the Pavilion, the Pope greeted the Malagasy bishops and proceeded to the aircraft. Around 300 faithful were present.

After passing through the Guard of Honour, Pope Francis boarded an Air Madagascar A340neo bound for Italy.

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father on his return trip from Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius departed at 9.38 local time (8.38 in Rome) and is expected to arrive at Rome-Ciampino Airport at 19.00.

Telegram to the President of the Republic of Madagascar

Immediately after his departure by air from Antananarivo, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegraphic message to the President of the Republic of Madagascar, Mr. Andry Rajoelina:

HIS EXCELLENCY ANDRY RAJOELINA
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MADAGASCAR
ANTANANARIVO

AS I LEAVE MADAGASCAR AGAIN TO RETURN TO ROME, I RENEW MY GRATITUDE FOR YOUR WARM WELCOME, AND I INVOKE UPON THE NATION THE BLESSINGS OF ALMIGHTY GOD.

FRANCISCUS PP.