Departure from Rome

Telegram to the President of the Italian Republic

Departure from Rome

Pope Francis’ 32nd international Apostolic Trip, to Thailand and Japan, commenced late this afternoon.

At 18.20 he left the Vatican and transferred by car to Rome-Fiumicino International Airport from where, at 17.16, he departed for Bangkok on board an Alitalia A330.

At 18.00, before leaving Santa Marta, the Pope met with a group of around a dozen lone elderly people, guests of the Little Sisters of the Poor at San Pietro in Vincoli. The small group was accompanied by the Apostolic Almoner, His Eminence Cardinal Konrad Krajewski.

He is expected to arrive at Bangkok Airport at 12.30 local time (6.30 in Rome).

Telegram to the President of the Italian Republic

As he left Italian territory, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegraphic message to the President of the Italian Republic, Hon. Sergio Mattarella:

HIS EXCELLENCY

HON. SERGIO MATTARELLA

PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC

PALAZZO DEL QUIRINALE - ROME

AS I LEAVE ITALIAN TERRITORY TO BEGIN MY PASTORAL VISIT TO THAILAND AND JAPAN, MOVED BY THE KEEN DESIRE TO MEET THE BROTHERS IN FAITH AND INHABITANTS OF THOSE NOBLE NATIONS, I AM PLEASED TO ADDRESS TO YOU, MR. PRESIDENT, AND THE ENTIRE ITALIAN POPULATION, MY GREETING WHICH I EXTEND WITH HEARTFELT WISHES FOR SERENITY AND MUTUAL COOPERATION FOR THE COMMON GOOD.

FRANCISCUS PP.